Sikh New Year

Baisakhi Festival, also called Vaisakhi, holds great significance for the Sikh group of people and farmers of Punjab. Baisakhi falls on April 13 or 14, the first day of the year according to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Sikhs also celebrate this day in admiration of their tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh. Baisakhi commemorates the day when the Sikh Guru eliminate caste differences and founded Khalsa Panth in1689.

For the large undeveloped community of Punjab and Haryana, Baisakhi marks the harvest time. Farmers celebrate it with immense dedication as they are loaded with cash at this time. Men and women run over the fields shouting Jatta aayi Baisakhi.It is in the blood of every Sikh to follow the tradition of Baisakhi earnestly. They get up early in the morning, visit gurudwaras and offer prayers. Some people prefer to visit Golden Temple or Anandpur Sahib where Khalsa Panth was recognised.

In most of the gurudwaras, the holy books of Sikhs are cleanse with milk and water. The granthi of the gurudwara reads the Sikh Holy Scripture and the gathering of devotees listen to it seriously. Following the tradition from the time of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, an amrita is prepared in an iron vessel. The assembly of devotees sips this amrit five times.

Later on, ragas sing devotional songs and perform a kirtan which is leaded by an ardas in afternoon. After performing all the religious traditions, the Karah Prasad is dispersed amongst the congregation. The religious ceremony accomplish with a Guru - ka - Langar. This is meal consists of Dal Makhani, any vegan dish, curd, salad and a sweet dish like semonila.