Baisakhi Festival: Complete Guide To Celebrations, Traditions, & Best Places

Baisakhi is a festival that brings together multiple religions and communities across India. For Hindus, who call it Vaisakhi, the day marks the beginning of the solar new year. Sikhs celebrate

Baisakhi festival as the birth of the Khalsa Panth, established in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh. Farmers throughout India celebrate it as a harvest festival welcoming spring.

What makes this festival truly special is how it unites people from different backgrounds. You'll hear cheerful "Happy Baisakhi" greetings exchanged in Punjab and wherever Punjabi communities have settled across India. The celebration features colourful traditions, delicious foods, and joyful gatherings.

Let's delve deeper into why the festival of Baisakhi is celebrated, what the Vaisakhi festival traditions are, and the best places to enjoy Baisakhi festival celebrations across India!

• Baisakhi Festival Date: 14 April 2025
• Poila Boishakh Observance(Bengali New Year): 15 April 2025

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Why Do We Celebrate Baisakhi Festival?

1. Baisakhi is a festival that happens on April 13th or 14th each year. In 2025, it will be celebrated across India, especially in Punjab and in Sikh temples called Gurudwaras.

2. For Sikhs, Baisakhi marks an important historical event from 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh (the 10th Sikh Guru) created the Khalsa Panth - a community of dedicated Sikh warriors. This happened in Anandpur Sahib, where many people were present.

3. During this ceremony, the Guru asked for volunteers willing to sacrifice their lives. He went into a tent and came out five times with a sword that appeared to be covered in blood. He established the "Five Ks" that Khalsa Sikhs follow:

• Kesh: Uncut hair
• Kanga: Comb
• Kara: Steel bracelet
• Kirpan: Small sword
• Kachera: Special underwear

4. The first five volunteers who stepped forward (known as the Panj Pyare or "Five Beloved Ones") were Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Himmat Singh, Bhai Sahib Singh, Bhai Muhkam Singh, and Bhai Dharam Singh. They became the first baptized Sikhs.