One of the festivals which are celebrated with full zeal and enthusiasm in Punjab is Vaisakhi. It is also called Baisakhi. But have you ever wondered why we celebrate this festival? If not then let’s dig into its history. It was on 30 March 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh Ji (the tenth and last Sikh Guru) formed Khalsa Panth. Guru Gobind Singh Ji baptized Sikh warriors for defending their religious freedom and he also stated that from now on, all human beings are equal.It is also stated that it was on the day of Baisakhi in 1919 when British General Dyer fired and massacred hundreds of innocent men, women and children at the Jallian Wala Bagh in Amritsar, Punjab.
It was a peaceful gathering of people during India's struggle for freedom from the British Raj. It's been over 100 years since the ruthless massacre happened. Let us remember and pay our respect to the innocent people who were killed on this day. Moreover, for Hindus, Vaisakhi marks an ancient harvest festival and the solar new year.When speaking of the significance of Vaisakhi, since the Khalsa Panth was founded by Guru Gobind Singh Ji on this day, Baisakhi or Vaisakhi marks the establishment of this last Khalsa every year. On this day, people day bathe in the holy rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Jhelum, etc, and then visit the Gurudwara. Baisakhi or Vaisakhi also marks the onset of the spring season. And due to that, it is also celebrated in other parts of the country though it is called by different names there.
The festival is called and celebrated as:
Rongoli Bihu in Assam
Poila Baisakh in West Bengal
Puthandu in Tamil Nadu
Vaisakha in Bihar
Many Hindus also celebrate it as a New Year. The festival also marks the harvesting of the Rabi Crops, and so on this day farmers pray and pay their respect to Gods thanking the almighty for the season's harvest. The auspicious day is also celebrated as the Solar New Year.
More about Vaisakhi
As told earlier, Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi by taking a dip in the holy river and then visiting the Gurudwaras to take God's blessings on this auspicious day. The Gurudwaras are decorated for the festival. Also, Kadha Prasad and langars are also offered on this day for devotees. Not only this, Nagar Kirtans are led by five Khalsas, who are dressed as Panj Pyaare, and they pass the streets early in the morning. Fairs are organized for the festival with folk songs and dance performances, mouth-watering food, and amusement rides. Vaisakhi is also known as the festival of joy and people pray to the god for blessing, happiness, prosperity, and success.Further, Vaisakhi takes place on 14 April this year. It usually falls on 13 or 14 April every year, marking the start of the harvest season. And on this auspicious occasion, may the lord almighty reward you for your excellent actions with love and happiness.