Baisakhi is a spring harvest festival observed in Punjab and other regions of North India. It is also known as Vaisakh Sankranti or Vaisakhi. Every year, it happens on April 13 or 14.

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It commemorates the creation of the Khalsa Panth of warriors under Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 and marks the start of the Sikh New Year. To this day, Hindus commemorate the arrival of Goddess Ganga on Earth.

In her honour, people congregate for a holy bath along the Ganga’s banks. In Punjab, Baisakhi marks the harvest of the rabi crops, and farmers express their respects by thanking God for a bountiful harvest.

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Date:

Baisakhi falls on Thursday, April 14 this year. The auspicious timing for Vaishakh Sankranti, according to Drik Panchang, will begin at 08:56 a.m. on Thursday, April 14, 2022.

History and Significance:

Baisakhi is an ancient harvest festival celebrated with much fanfare. On this day, the Sikh community celebrates the start of the New Year. They celebrate this day as a harvest festival as well as the foundation of the Panth Khalsa.

In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and final Sikh Guru, founded the Panth Khalsa by baptising Sikh warriors to preserve religious independence. He had stated that all humans are equal.

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Celebrations:

Baisakhi is a festival celebrated in Punjab and other regions 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 Gurudwaras to offer prayers and seek blessings. Several fairs are also held, where festivities include Bhangra and Gidda performances, traditional melodies, amusement rides, and delectable food. On Baisakhi, Gurudwaras make and distribute the famous Kada Prasad and traditional langars.