Baisakhi 2018 would be celebrated on 14th April this year
India is often called the land of festivals, and we cannot agree more. And, today is one of the most significant festivals of Punjabis around the world - Baisakhi. Just like every year, people, especially from northern states of India, are all geared up to ring in the harvest festival with much pomp, fervour and feasting. Baisakhi, or Vaisakhi, marks the beginning of the Hindu new year. The festival gets its name from 'Baisakh', the first month of the Bikram Sambat Hindu calendar. The harvest festival coincides with several regional festivals like Pohela Baishakh (Bengali new year), Vishu (Kerala's new year), and Bihu (Assamese new year).
Baisakhi is observed as a thanksgiving day by the farming community to God for a wonderful rabi crop harvest season that went by, and pray for an even bountiful season ahead. For the Sikh community, the occasion of Baisakhi is even more special and momentous. It was on this day, the Khalsa sect of Sikhism took birth. Khalsa, a collective body of all initiated Sikhs, was established at Kesgarh in Anandpur Sahib, by the 10th Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh in the year 1699.
Baisakhi Celebrations And Feasting
If you are in Punjab today and all set to celebrate Baisakhi, make sure you visit one of the traditional Baisakhi fares. Folk dances, traditional songs and folklores make for a delightful experience. People will exchange sweets and savouries, and will also dress up in traditional clothes today. Vaisakhi fairs also take place in various places, including Jammu City, Kathua, Udhampur, Reasi and Samba in the Pinjore complex near Chandigarh.
A significant ritual will carry out today, which is known as 'Awat Pauni'. Here, people will come together and harvest crops on vibrant beats of dhol and sing melodious folk songs. 'Nagar Kirtan', a religious procession, is another unique and integral part of today's celebration. Nagar Kirtan literally translates to the "town hymn singing". People will gather together and sing hymns and chants written in the Guru Granth Sahib - the Sikh holy book, which will led by five khalsa who will dress up as Panj Pyaras, and carry the holy book with them as a mark of reverence.
(Also Read: Baisakhi 2018: 4 Traditional Punjabi Dishes To Celebrate Baisakhi With)
Fairs, or melas, are held in many parts of Punjab and what are fairs without food. Locals and traders carry delicious delicacies and sell them in these Baisakhi fares. One can find interesting varieties of pickles, papads, chutneys, candies and churans across the fair. While going to the Gurudwara and enjoying mouthful of delectable kadha prasad and langar is a common practice, people also celebrate the festival's various Punjabi delicacies like pindi chole, kheer, peeley chawal etc.
Here's wishing you all a very Happy Baisakhi 2018!