Baisakhi is a festival particularly celebrated by Punjabi farmers. This festival marks the end of all the hard work which farmers have to go through for performing entire farming activity. Baisakhi is time for farmers to celebrated and enjoy the fruits of their hard work. Read on to find more about the significance and celebration of Baisakhi festival.

Baisakhi, which is actually Vaishakhi, is the festival of India celebrated most commonly among the Sikh community. This is celebrated to rejoice on the end of one year's harvest and the celebration indicates the beginning of New Year especially for the farmers. It is celebrated depicting the joy and festivity and portrays dominance of Indian food and culture everywhere. The festival of Baisakhi has special importance in North India.

The day of Baisakhi is on the first day of the Vaishakh month of the Indian calendar followed by Hindus especially when it comes to festivals and determining auspicious occasions. This usually falls in the month of April-May and is decided according to the Sikh calendar. The day coincides with the Rongali Bihu of Assam, Naba Barsha in Bengal, Pooram Vishu in Kerala and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu. All these are festivals that are celebrated on the occasion of New Year which falls at the same time throughout India.

Significance of Baisakhi

Baisakhi is one of the most important and vibrant festival of India especially for Punjabis. It is considered as the foundation day of the Khalsa Panth. Since primary occupation and income in Punjab in India is agriculture, Baisakhi is celebrated to rejoice the end of the winter crops and farmers enjoy this with special food items, Bhangra dance and Gidda dance as well. Various fairs are organized in villages and even in towns and cities as well showing Indian culture and tradition.

Celebration

Have a quick look at how Baisakhi is celebrated in India

Rejoicing and Merry Making

Since Baisakhi is meant for rejoicing and merry making, people wear new and colourful dresses and enjoy the folk dance in the evening. In the morning people gather in Gurudwaras where special prayers are carried out. Procession is also taken out this day and it crosses major localities of the city and many people participate in this procession to show their devotion. The special and enthusiastic dance of Bhangra and Gidda makes the occasion extremely colourful and passionate as well.

Community Lunch

Major celebrations are held in Amritsar especially in the Golden Temple. There is a community lunch which is called Lungar where all sit together and have their lunch. The religious function includes the Akhanda path which is reading from the religious book Guru Granth Sahib. This continues for 2 days and nights and is done non-stop.

Festival of Farmers

Baisakhi is celebrated by farmers because after the crop has been processed, which is a hard work, farmers need some rest along with fun and excitement. Baisakhi festival helps them get prepared for the next session of the crop and it is also a time when the community people get closer and social unity is demonstrated everywhere.

Performing Folkdance

Baisakhi celebration and the folkdance portray the joy and happiness of people and the richness of Indian culture can be seen throughout. Everyone wears bright and colourful dresses regardless of gender, age and place. In the nutshell, Baisakhi is a social festivity and lot of religious activities and celebrations are included as well. Various sports events are also organized and many states and places celebrate it in their own way.

There is a holiday throughout India on Baisakhi day. You will find lots of festival offers and decorations done in houses as well as in the different showrooms as well. This is time when people meet each other and share their joy by celebrating the Baisakhi festival together.