Baisakhi Festival

Baisakhi is one among the foremost popular and important festivals celebrated within the state of Punjab and various other parts of India. The festival takes place on April 13 every year , but once in 36 years, It’s celebrated on Pan American Day . This vibrant festival marks the commencement of the Sikh New Year . On today , the farmers thank God for the great crops and offer prayers for bountiful harvest within the next season. the most celebrations of the festival are organized at the Anandpur Sahib and Muktsar. The festival is widely known by the people with immense joy and performing bhangra and gidda dance.

What are Rituals and History behind the Celebration of Baisakhi Festival

The historical backdrop of Baisakhi starts when Guru Teg Bahadur, father of Guru Gobind Singh was murdered by the Aurangzeb, a Mughal sovereign. After his father’s death, Gobind Singh was made subsequent Sikh Guru. The lifetime of the people was miserable under the rule of Aurangzeb. After seeing the woeful condition of the people and to motivate them, Guru Gobind Singh, within the year 1699 asked the kids to return forward to offer their life for the country. However, initially none of the lads came forward, but after the repeated requests or encouragement from Gobind Singh, five men showed interest. The Guru took them to the tent and dressed them in saffron (yellow) clothes. They were gave to the title of the ‘Panj Pyaras’ (the valuable five men).Thereon very day, beginning of latest religion was announced called the ‘Khalsa Panth’ (today referred to as Sikhism). The lads who were converted into Sikhism were told to not fear anybody aside from the God and live life in whatever manner they desire.

Baisakhi Celebrations –the Festival of Joy and Happiness

Baisakhi is widely known with great pomp and extreme happiness, especially by the Sikhs. The gurdwaras are cleaned and decorated. many of us throng to the gurdwaras to supply prayers and seek the blessings of the almighty for the prosperous year ahead. Overall, the Baisakhi celebrations are administered by the Sikhs during a alright planned manner.

Morning Prayer within the Gurdwaras

In the morning, the Sikh people take bath and wear the new clothes. The Sikh families then assemble at the gurdwaras to attend a specially organized prayer within the morning. After the prayer is over, the devotees are distributed a sweet referred to as the ‘Kada Prasad’.

Langar is organized for the Worshippers

In the afternoon, around lunch time, a langar (vegetarian food) is organized for the devotees within the gurdwara. All the people whether or not they are rich or poor are equally served an equivalent food. there’s no discrimination followed within the gurdwara.

Procession of Guru Adi Granth

The procession of Guru Adi Granth is understood as Nagar Kirtan in Punjabi. It’s a spiritual procession amid holy hymns and is a crucial a part of the festival of Baisakhi. The procession is usually led by the Panj Pyare (the five beloved ones who form the central a part of the Khalsa), who are wearing saffron. they’re followed by the holy book of the Sikhs, Guru Adi Granth , and other members of the procession. The road through which the procession is to pass is cleared beforehand by the sewadars (volunteers). The procession finally involves a halt at a specific Gurudwara where Ardas (prayers) is obtainable .

Worshippers Dance their Heart Out

Any Baisakhi celebration is termed to be incomplete without the memorable dance performances. There are two prominent sorts of dance that are performed by the Sikhs – bhangra and gidda. Bhangra is actually a high energy dance that involves many jumping. It’s generally performed by both men and ladies . Gidda is another folk dance traditionally performed by the ladies . The dance reflects the celebratory mood of the ladies and their joyful spirits.

Dress Worn by Men

During the prominent festivals, there’s a practice among the Sikh community to wear the brilliant color outfits. On this occasion the men wear the kurta long shirt, pajama or lungi along with a traditional turban on their heads.

Dress Worn by Women

The Sikh or Punjabi women have two choices when it involves preparing for the festival. they will either wear a salwar-kameez or lehenga–choli.

Lip-Smacking Dishes to Eat

Sikhs are very keen on eating scrumptious food. On today , they prepare various sorts of dishes just like the potato curry, sarson ka saag, makki di roti, poori, paneer tikkas, vegetable pakora, chicken biryani and much of delicious dishes.

Baisakhi Celebrations in Various Parts of India

Baisakhi in Kerala

In Kerala, this festival is understood by the name Vishu. It’s considered as a festival of happiness, vibrant colors and lightweight . On today , the farmers celebrate the great harvest and offer prayer to the God for a superb year ahead. It’s considered to be a practice to urge Vishu Kai Neettam (gift) from the elder members of the family.

Baisakhi in West Bengal

Baisakhi is taken into account as a really propitious day within the Bengali calendar. The day is taken into account as very auspicious by the merchants or traders to open a replacement business. Bangla Sangeet Mela is organized to get the budding musicians and singers of the state.

Baisakhi in Assam

In Assam, the Baisakhi festival is understood by the name Rongali Bihu, celebrated for seven days. The very first day of the festival is named Goru Bihu. On today , the cows are worshipped. It’s also considered important to wear the new clothes and seek the blessings of the elderly people within the family.

Baisakhi in Bihar

In Bihar, the celebration of Baishakhi is called as Vaishakha. It’s basically celebrated by the people to welcome the New Year. It’s considered extremely auspicious by the people to supply the prayers to the Surya Devta (Sun God).