Baisakhi is a festival that brings together multiple religions and communities across India. For Hindus, who call it Vaisakhi, the day marks the beginning of the solar new year. Sikhs celebrate Baisakhi festival as the birth of the Khalsa Panth, established in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh. Farmers throughout India celebrate it as a harvest festival welcoming spring.
What makes this festival truly special is how it unites people from different backgrounds. You’ll hear cheerful “Happy Baisakhi” greetings exchanged in Punjab and wherever Punjabi communities have settled across India. The celebration features colourful traditions, delicious foods, and joyful gatherings.
Let’s delve deeper into why the festival of Baisakhi is celebrated, what the Vaisakhi festival traditions are, and the best places to enjoy Baisakhi festival celebrations across India!
- Baisakhi Festival Date: 14 April 2025
- Poila Boishakh Observance(Bengali New Year): 15 April 2025
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Why Do We Celebrate Baisakhi Festival?
1. Baisakhi is a festival that happens on April 13th or 14th each year.
In 2025, it will be celebrated across India, especially in Punjab and in Sikh temples called Gurudwaras. The day holds both cultural and religious importance for many communities.
2. For Sikhs, Baisakhi marks an important historical event from 1699.
On this day, Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru, created the Khalsa Panth – a spiritual community of brave and pure Sikh warriors. This significant event took place at Anandpur Sahib, with thousands of people gathered to witness it.
3. During the ceremony, the Guru asked for volunteers willing to sacrifice their lives.
He took each one into a tent and returned with a sword that looked like it had blood on it. After revealing the truth, he baptized them and introduced the “Five Ks”, which are symbols every baptized Sikh follows:
- Kesh: Uncut hair
- Kanga: Wooden comb
- Kara: Steel bracelet
- Kirpan: Small sword
- Kachera: Special undergarments
4. The first five who stepped forward became the “Panj Pyare” or the Five Beloved Ones.
Their names were:
- Bhai Daya Singh
- Bhai Himmat Singh
- Bhai Sahib Singh
- Bhai Muhkam Singh
- Bhai Dharam Singh
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How Is Baisakhi Festival Celebrated?
The festival of Baisakhi is celebrated with family gatherings, warm greetings, and community feasts.
The celebration brings people together to share meals and traditions.
At community meals called “langars” and in Punjabi homes, people prepare special vegetarian dishes like Kheer (sweet rice pudding), Meethey Chawal (sweet rice), and Kadhi (yogurt-based curry).
Other popular foods include Tandoori Chicken, Chole Batura, Sarson ka Saag, and various meat dishes.
Vaisakhi Festival Traditions
The Vaisakhi festival traditions include:
- New Sikh initiations and baptisms
- Nagar Kirtans (neighborhood processions)
- Wearing bright clothes
- Offering part of the harvest as thanks
- Folk dances: Gidda (for women) and Bhangra (for men)
Vaisakhi Festival Morning Ceremonies
Early morning celebrations begin at the Gurudwara (Sikh temple) where:
- The holy book (Guru Granth) is bathed in milk and water
- Special verses are read aloud
- Holy water (Amrit) is prepared in a large iron pot and shared five times
- Around noon, sweet semolina (Karah Prasad) is offered to the Guru
- After prayers, the food is shared with the community
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Best Places To Celebrate Baisakhi Festival
1. Amritsar
There’s nothing like Baisakhi celebrations in Punjab. The state features dance and singing performances, and restaurants offer special festival meals. Punjab is the heart of Vaisakhi traditions.
That too, Amritsar is one of the best places for Baisakhi festival celebrations. Thousands of Sikhs visit the Golden Temple each year, where Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa. People come together for special prayers during the festival.
2. Delhi
India’s capital hosts many Baisakhi festival celebrations. Visitors from across the country gather at gurdwaras for prayers and to exchange festival greetings. The city also has special Vaisakhi parties you can join.
3. Haryana
This state is known for its large Vaisakhi fair (mela). The festival includes competitions for school children and evening singing and dancing contests for adults.
4. Chandigarh
Many tourists visit Chandigarh’s gurdwaras during Vaisakhi. Like nearby Haryana, you can enjoy evening music and dance performances that add charm to the celebrations.
5. Jalandhar
The Vaisakhi celebrations in Jalandhar are colourful and lively. Both men and women perform traditional folk dances, creating a fun and energetic atmosphere.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Q: Where do we celebrate the festival of Baisakhi?
A:Baisakhi is mainly celebrated in Punjab, but it is also observed in Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Jalandhar, and other parts of India where Sikh and Punjabi communities live.
Q: What is the tradition of Baisakhi?
A:The traditions of Baisakhi include visiting Gurdwaras, offering prayers, holding Nagar Kirtans, wearing bright clothes, performing folk dances, and sharing festive meals.
Q: What is the special food of Baisakhi?
A:Popular Baisakhi foods include Kheer, Meethe Chawal, Kadhi, Sarson ka Saag, Chole Bhature, and Tandoori dishes, served during family feasts and langars.
Q: Who started Baisakhi festival?
A:The Sikh celebration of Baisakhi began in 1699, when Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa Panth at Anandpur Sahib.
