Every Indian is familiar with the harvest festival known as the Baisakhi. Also spelled as Vaisakhi, this festival marks the beginning of the Sikh New Year according to the Nanakshahi calendar. The people of the Sikh community celebrate it enthusiastically.
Every year, the festival of Baisakhi falls on the first month of the Hindu calendar. Furthermore, it is particularly famous in the Northern states of Punjab and Haryana. Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru, founded ‘Khalsa’ on this day in 1699. As this is a harvest festival, farmers offer thanks to God for the abundant crop on this day and seek blessings for their agricultural land. This festival is important for farmers because it signifies the beginning of the harvest season of Rabi crops.
How Is The Baisakhi Festival Celebrated?
Baisakhi, the beloved harvest festival, is observed by feasting, traditional dancing, fairs, and folk music. The Golden Temple, located in Amritsar, appears to be surrounded by a carnival. The Melas (Baisakhi fairs), which are a huge part of the celebration of Baisakhi, are held throughout the state of Punjab. Acrobatics, dancing performances, and wrestling matches are among the many exciting activities at Baisakhi fairs.
Locals dress in traditional Vaisakhi attire and commemorate the occasion with dancing and singing. Vibrant traditional performances and Baisakhi processions are a part of the celebration.
During the Baisakhi festival, devotees go to the Gurdwara in the morning to participate in the special prayers presented to the Almighty. Most people prefer to attend Gurudwara Anandpur Sahib in Anandpur, Punjab, or the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, on the occasion of Baisakhi because the Khalsa Panth is pronounced there.
The holy scripture of Sikhism, i.e., the Granth Sahib, is put on a Takht and read on the day of this harvest festival. Once the prayers and rituals are completed, the devotees are given 'Kada Prasad', which is made with flour, sugar, and butter.
The Granth Sahib is taken out for Nagar Kirtan, a kind of religious parade, at around midday. During this religious parade, people pray to the Almighty by dancing and chanting sacred hymns as part of the Baisakhi celebration.
On this day, people participate in Seva (service) by executing the Gurdwara's daily responsibilities. Helping others is seen as the classic manifestation of humanity in Sikhism.
Now that you've learned so much about Vaisakhi, you should know its importance. So, before we celebrate Baisakhi, let us understand its significance.
Baisakhi is regarded as a significant and much-awaited occasion for various reasons. Aside from being a big harvest festival for farmers, this day is essential in the Sikh religion since it is associated with the founding of the Khalsa Panth.
In Sikhism, Baisakhi is also seen as a celebration of brotherhood (Khalsa). Guru Gobind Singh declared that the Granth Sahib should be recognized as the Sikhs' immortal Guru. After that, he established the Khalsa Panth by selecting five brave leaders (Panj Pyare) who were willing to give their lives to save the people. He proclaimed the ‘Panj Pyare’ as the holiest of the holy. This is why the Sikhs celebrate the festival of Baisakhi with great enthusiasm and delight.
Names of Panj Pyare
Bhai Daya Singh
Bhai Dharam Singh
Bhai Himmat Singh
Bhai Mohkam Singh
Bhai Sahib Singh
Apart from Sikhs, Hindus and Buddhists also observe Baisakhi. The auspicious day of Baisakhi is celebrated around the country in different ways, and they are often denoted by other names. The other versions of Baisakhi include 'Naba Barsha', celebrated in West Bengal. In Assam, it is known as 'Rongali Bihu,' in Tamil Nadu as 'Puthandu,' in Bihar, it is known as 'Vaisakha,' and in Kerala, this occasion is known as 'Vishu.' These festivals are a variation of the Solar New Year festivities across various parts of India.
This festival is meaningful for Hindus since, on this specific day in 1875, Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj. This particular sect of the Hindu religion has entirely abandoned idol worship in favor of being devoted to the Vedas for heavenly supervision. Furthermore, the occasion of Baisakhi is significant for Buddhists because it marks the day on which Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment.
When Is Baisakhi 2024? Date And Time You Should Know
This occasion is on the first day of Vaisakh month, according to the Hindu calendar, every year. Baisakhi 2024 will fall on the 13th of April.
Baisakhi 2024 Date- 13th April 2024 (Saturday)
The Baisakhi Sankranti Time- 09:15 PM
The Five Ks
Simply put, the five Ks are the markers of Sikh identity. The Guru gave his new Khalsa an exclusive, indisputable, and distinct identity. Bana, the distinctive Sikh clothing and headdress, was given as a reward by the Guru.
The Guru also presented five symbols of purity and bravery. All Sikhs who have been initiated into the Khalsa must wear these five physical symbols, which are Kangha (comb), Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (steel bangle), Kacchera (underwear), and Kirpan (sword).
These symbols are considered incredibly powerful in Sikh history. The five Ks remind the Sikh community of their Sikh identity, which requires them to align their lives with the truth of 'Ik Onkar,' which means there is only one God or creator.
People get up early to attend special prayer services and prayer meetings at Gurudwaras.
The sacred book, Guru Granth Sahib, is taken out and given a symbolic bath with water and milk.
The sacred book is then carefully put on its special throne.
It is then read aloud, with the audience at Gurudwaras paying close attention.
In addition, once the verses are sung, specific holy nectar or Amrit, prepared in an iron vessel, is distributed to the worshippers.
Devotees are supposed to drink the Amrit five times in a row, according to tradition.
Devotees sing religious songs or Kirtans.
The sacred book is ceremonially taken out in a procession,
After Ardas, sweetened semolina is offered to the Guru for his blessings before being distributed to everyone.
Finally, a Langar arrangement is carried out to celebrate the day.
Traditional folk dances like the Gidda and Bhangra are performed on this day.
The Harvest Festival: Baisakhi
As mentioned above, the Baisakhi festival marks the beginning of the harvest season for Rabi crops. As a result, the auspicious day is commemorated with great zeal throughout the country. The festival of Baisakhi is specially celebrated in Punjab, where agriculture reigns as the main source of income.
Punjabi farmers gather to celebrate Baisakhi by feasting together. They all return to their joyful duty of harvesting the next day of Baisakhi.
Baisakhi is a great occasion not only for Sikhs but also for people of other religions and areas. Join the Baisakhi crowd and enjoy a good time!
So, as you now understand this magnificent event better, participate in Vaisakhi 2024 with meaningful intent.
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