Baisakhi is the harvest festival mainly celebrated in Punjab and other parts of northern India. It marks a new beginning, the start of a new harvest season or the solar year. This Sikh religious festival falls in the month of April according to the Gregorian calendar. The day of Baisakhi is celebrated as the beginning of the Hindu solar new year by various other communities also.
According to the history, Baisakhi is the day when Khalsa (pure ones) were born and given their identity. The tenth Guru, Shri Gobind Singh, had organized the order of Khalsa on this particular day in 1699. The birthplace of Khalsa in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab is Gurudwara Shri Keshgarh Sahib. It is also known as Takhat Keshgarh Sahib as it one of the five Takhats or seats of authority of the Sikhs. Sahib also gave them the name ‘Singh’ (lion) to boys and ‘Kaur’ (princesses) to girls.
The festival of Baisakhi is celebrated with vigor and energy. Bhangra and gidda dance performances are held in open fields. Some people try and visit the Golden Temple at Amritsar while others visit nearby Gurudwaras.Amritsar is rightly called the seat of Sikh culture and history. The golden temple was created by the fourth guru, Shri Ramdas Ji. In the Gurudwaras, the Guru Granth Sahib or the holy book is taken out and given a bath with milk and water as a symbolic gesture of purification. The amrit or holy nectar is distributed among those gathered. During noon, the Karah Prasad is offered to the Guru for his blessings after which a community lunch is served for those assembled.
One of the most noteworthy aspect of the Sikh culture is their togetherness and unity. Each and every festival is celebrated by the entire family together. Yummy paneer curries and fresh creamy lassi adds gloss to a Punjabi treat. The Punjabi masalas are definitely a treat for your tastebuds. The Punjabi Bhangra and melodious songs add glamour.
During the later part of the day, the Baisakhi procession is taken out. It is a wonderful sight to see men and women dressed in colorful attire dancing and making merry. The drummer and the bands playing music add to the glory of the procession. The crowd hails by saying “Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Shri Akal” (Whosever called the name of god will be blessed) and “Satnam Waheguru” (Name of the god is true).
You will be seeing enthusiastic happy crowds of men and women celebrating their unity with a bang. So don’t miss this opportunity to dance to the tunes of prosperity this April 13 (Wednesday). For your comfortable stay and trip, please contact The Other Home for more details.
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