Among India’s most well-known holidays is Baisakhi. It takes place between the months of April and May each year. It is a well-known holiday that is eagerly anticipated and celebrated in the state of Punjab. The event occurs when the Rabi crop is ready for harvest, which coincides with the farming season. Punjab celebrates Baisakhi every year during the months of April and May. The celebration is joyfully observed with great frolic, fun, and cheer. In Punjab, people celebrate Baisakhi by visiting Gurudwaras and giving out “Kada Prasad” to family, friends, and neighbours.
History And Mythology Behind Baisakhi Celebration :
Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, was executed in front of everyone by Aurangzeb. Guru Tegh Bahadur fought for the rights of Hindus and Sikhs, while the Mughal Emperor intended to propagate Islam throughout India. He was viewed as a threat because of this. Guru Gobind Singh succeeded Guru Teg Bahadur as the Sikhs’ next Guru after his passing. Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth guru, decided to create the Khalsa Panth, a family of soldier saints, on the occasion of Vaisakhi in 1699. In front of thousands, he established the Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib.
During the Baisakhi ceremony, Guru Gobind Singh came from a tent wielding a sword. Every Sikh who was willing to give his life was invited to enter the tent, he said. The Guru came back alone, carrying a bloody sword. After asking for another volunteer, he carried out the same operation four more times until five men had entered the tent. Until five guys in turbans returned with the Guru, the throng was very worried.
The Panj Piare, or “Beloved Five,” was the name given to these five men. The Guru then baptised the guys into the Khalsa.
What Is The Importance Of The Baisakhi Festival ?
Guru Gobind Singh Ji formed the Khala Panth on this day; hence every year, Baisakhi or Vaisakhi commemorates the founding of this final Khalsa. On this day, people take a sacred river bath—the Ganga, the Yamuna, the Jhelum, etc.—before visiting to the Gurudwara. The start of spring is also signalled by Baisakhi or Vaisakhi. As a result, despite having a different name there, it is also observed elsewhere in the nation. In Assam, the festival is known and observed as Rongoli Bihu; in West Bengal, Poila Baisakh; in Tamil Nadu, Puthandu; in Bihar, Vaisakha; and so on. It is also a New Year’s celebration for many Hindus.
Farmers worship and pay their respects to the gods on this day, thanking the almighty for the harvest of the season since the festival also commemorates the harvest of the Rabi Crops. The Solar New Year is also observed on an auspicious day.
Baisakhi Rituals And Customs :
In the northern states of Punjab and Haryana, Baisakhi is observed with great delight and zeal. On this great occasion, people prepare for traditional folk dances. The day of Baisakhi is vibrant and colourful in the villages of Punjab and Haryana. The highlight of this celebration in the villages is when men and women perform the traditional folk dances bhangra and gidda, respectively.
Sikhs joyfully and fervently commemorate Baisakhi. They get up early to take wash, put on fresh clothing, and then go to the gurdwara to attend the day’s designated special prayer meeting. After a special ardaas, kirtan, and lectures, everyone in attendance receives kada prasad. Later, as the langar is served by volunteers or kar sevaks, people sit in rows to enjoy it.
At Baisakhi fairs, a lot of food booths are set up to keep the crowds energized and hydrated throughout the festivities that take place at night. There is always traditional Punjabi food on offer during the fair, including Chhole Bature, Achari mutton, Chicken saagwala, Sarson ka saag, kadhi chawal, dried fruit kheer, and the well-known lassi. These gastronomic delights perfectly capture the Punjabis’ unwavering love of flavour and cuisine.
Men, women, and children all buy new clothing to celebrate Vaisakhi, which is a festival marking the arrival of spring. The most colourful and animated items are chosen to convey the excitement of the audience. Traditional Punjabi attire for men consists of a fan-shaped turban worn with a kurta, waistcoat, scarf, and lungi tied around the waist, while traditional Salwar Kameez is worn by women along with the most festive and flashy jewellery. The rainbow grandeur of this clothing captures the vibrant and bubbly spirit of the Punjabi way of life.
Get in touch with the best astrologer in India with Nakshatrika and learn the customs and traditions to follow on this Baisakhi. Nakshatrika also has the best online astrologer who can help you perform online puja service. At Nakshatrika, you will get all kinds of assistance for live darshan or online darshan also, as Nashatriak books ticket for its clients who can not travel to the temple for darshan.
