 |
|
Baisakhi (derivative of Vaishakha) a harvest festival, stands for the dawn of a new year in the northern India, especially the state of Punjab.
It's celebrated on the thirteenth day of April according to the solar calendar, though once in 36 years it occurs on April 14th.
In Punjab, Baisakhi has a unique significance, the day also commemorates the founding of the Khalsa by the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh. The festival of Baisakhi is an important festival for the Sikhs because it is a formal celebration of the brotherhood of their community. |
|
|
|
Sikhs visits gurdwaras (Sikh temples) and listen to kirtans (religious songs) and discourses. After the prayer, kada prasad (sweetened semolina) is served to the congregation. The function ends with langar, the community lunch served by volunteers. Processions and feasting follow readings of the holy scripture of the Sikhs, Guru Granth Sahib.
Baisakhi marks the ripening of the Rabi crop. For people in villages this festival is a last opportunity for relaxing, before they start harvesting corn. It marks the seasons the commencement of the agricultural cycle with sowing in spring, and its culmination with the harvesting of the golden grain. This tough agricultural operation is rendered into a lighter occupation by merry community festivities such as the Bhangra dance by men & Gidda by women, accompanied by singing. Baisakhi is celebrated all over India, by different names and with different rituals. |
|
|
Save as Bookmark
Send this Page to Friend.
