Baisakhi

Baisakhi

PLACES TO VISIT
Though most of the states celebrate this time of the year, to witness the rich tradition and colorful festivities of Baisakhi, Punjab is the place to be. The traditional bhangra and gidda, the procession of the Panj Piaras and the taste of the kada prasad can be experienced only in Punjab.

Baisakhi, celebrated with joyous music and dancing, is New Year's Day in Punjab. It falls on April 13, though once in 36 years it occurs on 14th April. It was on this day that the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, founded the Khalsa (the Sikh brotherhood) in 1699. The Sikhs, therefore, celebrate this festival as a collective birthday.

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 are taken out, at the head of which are the panj piaras. Mock duels and bands playing religious tunes are part of the processions.

Schoolchildren also enthusiatically take part in them. For people in villages this festival is a last opportunity for relaxing before they start harvesting of corn. Processions and feasting follow readings of the holy scripture of the Sikhs, Guru Granth Sahib.

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