Baisakhi is one of the most important fiestas of Sikhs. It is enjoyed with lots of passion and fun in the beautiful Punjab state as well as around the world where Sikh population is found. For the huge group of farmers in Punjab, this Baisakhi festival starts at the reaping time of Rabi crops. The farmers wake up early and dress themselves in colorful new clothes after that they visit Gurudwaras and temples to express thankfulness to God for an excellent harvest and ask for blessings for agriculture season. The people celebrate this day by organizing enjoyable Giddha and Bhangra dances.

Baisakhi Festival comes on the 1st day of the month of Vaisakh (April-May) in accordance withthe Sikh Calendar.Because of which it is also commonly called asVaisakhi.The vibrant Baisakhi festival is believed to be an exceptionally significant festival within India for many reasons. Despite being significant for farmers as a reaping festival, this festival also has a great meaning in Sikhism as Khalsa Panth’s foundation day. This festival has a great significance in astrology also. This Festival is rejoiced also as a Day of Thanksgiving in the states of Haryana and Punjab.

Sikhs participate in meetings of special prayer organized at the Gurudwaras and in this way they celebrate this festival. They also carry out wonderful Baisakhi processions and start the day. This day is also important for the Hindus as on this day in the year 1875, Swami Dayanand Saraswati set up the foundation of Arya Samaj. Moreover, the day of Baisakhi has significance in Buddhism also, as Lord Gautama Buddha gained Nirvana and enlightenment on this sacred day.

Celebration

The Baisakhi festival is of huge meaning in Sikhism because of the datum that on this Baisakhi Day in 1699 AD, the 10th Sikh’s Guru –Shri Guru Gobind Singhfounded thePanth Khalsa, which is the Order of the Clean Ones.

Inhabitants of Punjab and Haryana participate in this Baisakhi festival with enthusiasm and dedication. As the celebration has remarkable significance in the Sikh religion, main activities of this day are arranged in Gurudwaras. People rouse early to get ready for the day. A lot of people also bathe in the sacred river of Golden Temple in Amritsar to start the auspicious event. After getting ready, people make a visit to their nearby Gurudwaras and take part in the meeting of special prayers arranged for this auspicious day. After the Baisakhi Ardas, the mass receives especially prepared sweetened semolina which is also called ‘Kara Prasad’ which is followed by a community lunch known as Langar.

Afterwards, during this day the Sikh people take out an alluring Baisakhi procession leaded by the Panj Piaras. This long procession goes through the main areas of the city in the midst of the performance of spiritual songs by the women, men and children. Bhangra, Giddha and mock duels make this procession blissful and colorful.

The huge farmer’s community of Haryana and Punjab starts Baisakhi as a New Year eve because it is time to reap Rabi crop.

The propitious day of Baisakhi is also celebrated throughout India, although under various names with various rituals. In Assam, the people celebrate 13th April as,whereas people in West Bengal celebrate this asNaba Barsha which means New Year. The people of Bihar celebrate this Baisakhi festival as Vaishakhadedicating the Surya, the Sun God. Again, in Kerala it is celebrated as and in Tamil Nadu it is celebrated asPuthandu. A traditional bath and common festivity starts Baisakhi in Kashmir while at the same time in Himachal Pradesh people gather in the Jawalamukhi temple and take a sacred bath in the beautiful Hot Springs.

Location

This festival of Baisakhi is celebrated mainly in Punjab and Haryana. It is also celebrated throughout India on the same date with various names and various customs.

Time of Festival

Baisakhi festival is celebrated on the 1st day of Vaishakh month which is from April to May in accordance with the Sikh calendar. On 13th of April it is celebrated in accordance with the English calendar and on 14th of April but only one time in 36 years.

Point to Remember

The Baisakhi festival comes only once in a year. It is very important festival for the farmer’s community as this is the time of the reaping of the Rabi crops. This festival falls during the summer season, so it is better to be prepared for your visit in advance by checking the dates of the festival closer to the expected time, between April and May.

Entry Fess

There are no entry fees for this festival. It is open for all the people from all religions and communities.

Effects on Tourism

This festival plays an important role in increasing the tourism of Punjab. People from different parts of India & world come here & get attracted by the beauty of Punjab and also this vibrant festival. So, they wish to come here again & again.

How to Reach

The city of rich culture and heritage, vibrant festivals and lush green agricultural fields, Punjab is a land of exquisite beauty and playfulness.

By Air

Punjab has several airports such as Chandigarh and Amritsar airports etc. which are well connected to all the major cities of India and abroad.

By Road

The Punjab state has a best and very wide road network in India. Small Villages are even well connected by motor-able roads. Punjab has a vast stretch of National Highways (nearly 1000 Km), State Highways along with other Roads (nearly 35000 Km) that connects it to different nearby States & the main Cities in India.

By Rail