Baisakhi 2023: Know about history, significance, celebrations of festival
Baisakhi 2023: The festival of Sikh grandeur is around the corner and the energy among the Punjabi's have already began anticipating the festivity with utmost eagerness. We are undoubtedly talking about Baisakhi that will be celebrated on April 14, 2023.
Baisakhi also known as ‘Vaisakh Sankranti’ or ‘Vaisakhi’, Baisakhi is a spring harvest festival celebrated in Punjab and other parts of North India. The festival usually falls on April 13 or 14 every year and marks the beginning of the Sikh New Year.
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Festival of Baisakhi commemorates the formation of the Khalsa Panth of warriors under Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. Meanwhile, Hindus celebrate the descent of Goddess Ganga on Earth on this day. In her honour, people gather for a holy bath along the banks of the river Ganga.
Baisakhi 2023: History
Baisakhi is biggest Sikh festival of Punjab that marks the establishment of Khalsa Panth in 1699 by Shri Guru Gobind Singh.
Apart from having a religious importance, this festival is popularly known to be harvest festival. It marks the time for the harvest of Rabi crops and farmers pay their tribute by thanking God for an abundant harvest.
During this time, farmers along with their families gather in their fields and celebrate by dancing to the beat of the drums around the harvest crops. Baisakhi or Vaisakhi, a word derived from the Sanskrit language, means a month of the Hindu Lunar year corresponding to April-May, regarded in some states as the commencement of the New Year.
Baisakhi 2023: Significance
Baisakhi is not just a celebration of festival of spring. It is predominantly celebrated in the Northern part of the country with a significance value surfing religiously that also covers the harvesting importance. According to the belief, on Baisakhi day, the system of 'class' was abolished which eventually gave the existence of equality among Sikhism that led 'Guru Granth Sahib' to be the Holy book of the religion.
The yellow colour is of special significance in Baisakhi which is why people dress up in hues of yellow and orange and also cook yellow-coloured foods.
Baisakhi 2023: Celebration
Baisakhi is a festival celebrated in Punjab and other parts of North India. Several Nagar Kirtan processions walk through the streets in the early hours of the morning, led by five Khalsas dressed as Panj Pyaare. Devotees also go to Gurdwaras to offer prayers and seek blessings. Several fairs are also held, where festivities feature Bhangra and Gidda performances, folk songs, amusement rides, and delicious food. On Baisakhi, Gurdwaras make and distribute the famous Kada Prasad and traditional langars.
Punjabis also dress up in traditional attire, ‘Mutiyaars’ wear salwar suit with matching dupatta, paranda and multicolored silk thread hair ornament made out with numerous designs and tessels). Meanwhile, ‘Gabrus’ wear kurta along with a 'Chadra'( a traditional piece of cloth tied on the lower half of the body) that also includes 'Ramal.’
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Happy Baisakhi 2023 !
- With inputs from agencies
