Baisakhi is a Harvest festival and like all things Punjabi, it is one that involves the society, is colourful, boisterous and necessitates food, music, and dance. Baisakhi is observed by the Sikh community in India and across the world.
Baisakhi: A colourful harvest festival of Punjab
On this day, Gurdwaras (the Sikh temples) wear a festive look as they gear up to welcome the footfall of thousands of devotees. Sikhs take a
holy dip in nearby holy ponds also known as Sarovars and don festive gears. Nagar kirtan processions are carried out, food-charity or Langar
Seva is held.
Nagar Kirtan is the procession of
B
aisakhi is the Sikh New Year’s Day as it is not just a Springtime harvest festival but also a day that commemorates the formation of the Khalsa Panth of warriors under Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. The word Baisakhi comes from the Hindu calendar month of Vaishakh. It is the second month in the Hindu calendar that begins with the month of Chaitra and ends with Falgun or Fagun. This is the time when the farmers in the northern part of India have harvested the season’s crops and are gearing up for the next season’s sowing.
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