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.
How Is Baisakhi Festival Celebrated?
The festival of Baisakhi is celebrated with family gatherings, warm greetings, and community feasts. The celebration brings people together to share meals and traditions.
At community meals called "langars" and in Punjabi homes, people prepare special vegetarian dishes like Kheer (sweet rice pudding), Meethey Chawal (sweet rice), and Kadhi (yogurt-based curry). Other popular foods include Tandoori Chicken, Chole Batura, Sarson ka Saag, and various meat dishes.
Vaisakhi Festival Traditions
The Vaisakhi festival traditions include:
- New Sikh initiations and baptisms
- Nagar Kirtans (neighborhood processions)
- Wearing bright clothes
- Offering part of the harvest as thanks
- Folk dances: Gidda (for women) and Bhangra (for men)
Vaisakhi Festival Morning Ceremonies
Early morning celebrations begin at the Gurudwara (Sikh temple) where:
- The holy book (Guru Granth) is bathed in milk and water
- Special verses are read aloud
- Holy water (Amrit) is prepared in a large iron pot and shared five times
- Around noon, sweet semolina (Karah Prasad) is offered to the Guru
- After prayers, the food is shared with the community
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Best Places To Celebrate Baisakhi Festival
1. Amritsar: There’s nothing like Baisakhi celebrations in Punjab. The state features dance and singing performances, and restaurants offer special festival meals. Punjab is the heart of Vaisakhi traditions.
That too, Amritsar is one of the best places for (Vaisakhi) Baisakhi festival celebrations. Thousands of Sikhs visit the Golden Temple each year, where Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa. People come together for special prayers during the festival.
2. Delhi: India's capital hosts many Baisakhi festival celebrations. Visitors from across the country gather at gurdwaras for prayers and to exchange festival greetings. The city also has special Vaisakhi parties you can join.
3. Haryana: This state is known for its large Vaisakhi fair (mela). The festival includes competitions for school children and evening singing and dancing contests for adults.
4. Chandigarh: Many tourists visit Chandigarh's gurdwaras during Vaisakhi. Like nearby Haryana, you can enjoy evening music and dance performances.
5. Jalandhar: The Vaisakhi celebrations in Jalandhar are colourful and lively. Both men and women perform traditional folk dances, creating a fun atmosphere.
