We all observe, Baisakhi as a day when our mothers serve us with the traditional yellow rice, lassi and take us to the gurudwara to offer prayers. Baisakhi, the Spring Festival is one of the Regional Festivals celebrated by the Sikhs. The significance of this day lies on historical accounts of Guru Gobind Singh Ji‘s foundation of Khalsa Panth laid by him with his five disciples, known as “Panj Payara“. On Baisakhi, the rituals and customs for the day are performed with utmost sincerity and dedication. As a Festival of Harvest, it is celebrated in open fields with gusto Bhangra and Gidda dance by ladies decked in traditional. This day is also observed as “Khalsa Sirjana Divas”.
The set of authentic rituals and customs of Baisakhi adds a good pile of charms to the vibrancy of this Spring Harvest Festival of Baisakhi. Acquaint yourself with the Richness of
Celebrations in Gurudwara
The auspicious day is started off by paying visits to the Sacred Gurdwara, offering prayers and attending special prayer meetings ( Path). Sikhs all around the corner plans to pay a holy visit to the foundation laying Gurudwara of Khalsa- Anandpur Sahib. The throne of Guru Granth Sahib Ji is washed with milk and water. The “Kirtaniye” (Guru’s hymn singer) chants the verses from the Holy book and describe their significance marked on this day. One can also observe the raising of The Nishan Sahib Flag in Gurudwaras or Processions. Towards the end of the Kirtan, Special “Guru ka Langar” is prepared and served to the devotees.
Merriment in Fields
Baisakhi signifies the commencing of the new year according to the Sikh calendar.This day, farmers relish the harvest and offer prayers to God to bless them with a good product, and a prosperous year ahead. Men and women clad themselves in traditional clothing with energetic and perform the Bhangra and Gidda dance on the beats of classic “Mela numbers” and “Gurdas Maan” tracks. Accompanied by the beatings of Dhol and the lit bonfire, the farmers rejoice the day and wishes for the prosperity and wealth
Baisakhi Processions: Nagar Kirtan
The day of Baisakhi observes a procession of the Holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, taken out in public with the Panj Pyaras leading the ceremony. The Panj Pyaras are the epitome of Sikh Faith, who under the guidance of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, came fearlessly to sacrifice themselves and were baptized in the nectar of faith. The processions symbolize the valor of the “Pyaras”. The Granth Sahib is the eternal guru of the Sikhs, taken out during the processions.The processions move to various localities of the streets, accompanied by Kirtan that renounces the history of Khalsa Panth. Some of the disciples come forward and perform “Gatka”, the art of Indian Martial art, done by stick fighting, and swords.
Guddi Manja
On Baisakhi, one may observe people adorning in Yellow color as it is the symbolic color of this festival. People deck in yellow and cook yellow. But little do we know about the custom of flying kites in the warmth of Spring air. Kids relish the spirit of flying kites known as ” Guddi Manja “, high above the sky and often give their kites a special name. Mainly, the kites are flown late in the evening. The light-hearted play of Kites may not be a mandatory ritual but enjoyed by the people. The skies filled with the multitude of variety of colors is truly a blessing in disguise.
Preparations of Traditional Food
On the auspicious day of Baisakhi, people relish the traditional cooked sweet savories sprinkling the Feast of Love on this day. Ladies of the house cooks the classic staple of this festival- sweet Yellow/ Orange tossed with dry fruits and coconuts. Other mouth smacking delicacies like Lassi, Kheer and Ladoos are also prepared and distributed amongst the family members.
