Baisakhi for the urbane state is a day when we all love getting decked in vibrantly Brightening Yellows, men cladding “Kesari” turbans and savor those lip-smacking savories. All this makes Baisakhi’s Day more cheerful and happening. The agriculture-dominated states relish this day as a “Holy Day” with sheer enthusiasm and joy. Baisakhi Spring Festival falls usually on 13th April but according to the Gregorian calendar, this year Baisakhi is observed in 14th April which happens once in 36 years!
The Auspicious day of Baisakhi is observed in Punjab as the “Harvest Festival” and marks the birth of Khalsa Panth laid down by the tenth Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The word “Baisakh” originates from the first month according to the Bikram Sambat Hindu Calendar. Spring harvest festival for the Sikhs. Commemorates the formation of Sikhs. So is Vaisakhi, a day commemorated to harvest the winter crop-Rabi and ounce a good omen for a different crop that is to be plowed and seek the blessings of the Guru for future prosperity, progress.
The occasion of Baisakhi is observed in Punjab as a ” Thanksgiving Day ” for harvesting the crops in abundance. Apart from reaping and sowing, the occasion of Baisakhi has a religious account too. In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the “ Kalgidhar Patshah ” laid the foundation of Khalsa Panth and inaugurated the same at Kesgarh, Anandpur Sahib. This marks the commencing of the historical event in the history of Sikhism. The evolution of Khalsa Panth is highly symbolical, epitomizing the true faith in Guru.
On this day, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs had called upon his disciples to sacrifice their lives in the name of Faith, the ones who stood up, belonged to different parts of the world and stepped together with the courage to come forward in the command of Guru Gobind Ji. These disciples were labeled as the “Panj Payares” and were baptized in a unique ceremony called “Pahul”. The concept of “Panj Pyare” embodiments Gurus himself, the true believers of the faith, courageous and fearless.
The occasion is well celebrated in Punjab, as one can witness it every year in the “Melas” hosted in the villages, where people perform dancing, singing and dress in finery yellowy cloth. The tradition of serving sweet yellow rice topped with dry fruits is the well-renowned staple of Baisakhi, cherished by almost everyone. Sweet Yellow Rice, Coconut Ladoos, and Lassi are amongst the favorites for the menu of Baisakhi. This day, farmers offer prayers to God and reap the winter crop. Men dance in the fun beat of “ Bhangra ” and women’s groove in “ Gida ”. The farmers rejoice in harvesting their crop and the landmark of this day
Hymns have been written in Guru Granth Sahib Ji that observes the advent of Baisakhi. Symbolically speaking, the Significance of Baisakhi lies in its embodiment of venturing new prospectus of work by seeking the grace of the Guru’s blessings and commence the beginning of any work. Baisakhi is considered to be a day of good omen.
The auspicious day of Baisakhi is celebrated all over the country stretching from North to the West and South. Towards the Eastern states like Bihar, observes this day as ” Vaishakha “, honoring the Sun God whereas in the Southern states like, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the day is celebrated as “Vishu” and ” Puthandu” respectively. The people of Assam honors the Spirit of Baisakhi as ” Rongali Bihu ” and ” Naba Barsha ” in West Bengal.