People congregate during this time to spend time with their families, friends, and other loved ones. They celebrate the day by eating special Baisakhi foods and commemorating the commencement of the harvest season. Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi, is celebrated in the Indian state of Haryana.
Baisakhi 2023: Date
Baisakhi falls on April 14, which is a Friday this year. The day is very important and is celebrated as the Sikh New Year according to the solar calendar.
Baisakhi 2023: History
Baisakhi is both a religious and harvest festival for the Sikh community. On March 30, 1699, Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa, or "pure" Sikh society. He allegedly removed the distinction between top and lower caste divisions and declared that all individuals are created equal. Sikhism's Guru tradition was later abandoned, and the Guru Granth Sahib was named the religion's holy book of eternal guidance, according to drikpanchang.com.
On this day in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh exhorted his followers to offer their lives in devotion to the Lord. Five people are said to have given their services, earning them the moniker "panj piaras."
Baisakhi 2023: Significance
On this day, the Sikh community celebrates with a festive celebration. People participate in nagar kirtan, or street processions to their houses of worship, called Gurudwaras. They also decorate Gurudwaras to make them more beautiful. Devotees receive 'kada' prasad, and everyone enjoys the day with their loved ones.
Baisakhi Celebrations
People dress up in new, vivid outfits on this event, and on the nights, they perform bhangra (Punjabi folk dance). Friends and families gather for the occasion. Baisakhi fairs or melas are also held in several states. Nagar kirtan processions, which involve singing and chanting from the Shri Guru Granth Sahib, also take place on this day.
