Baisakhi or Vaisakhi is celebrated every year on 13th or 14th April. This festival is linked with the faith and history of Sikhism. On this day in 1699 in Anandpur Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh Ji founded the Khalsa Panth. The Guru called five Sikhs who were ready to sacrifice their lives without any fear. They were called Panj Pyare and were made Khalsa by giving them Amrit—a community that won for justice, religion, and humanity. Even today this day is sacred and a symbol of pride for the Sikh community.
But Baisakhi is not just limited to Sikhism. According to the Hindu calendar, this is the day of Baisakh Sankranti, which marks the beginning of a new year, a new season, and a new life. This day is also celebrated as the arrival of the Sun God. People across India celebrate this day by praying for new hopes, success, and prosperity. This festival, along with religious sentiments, also gives a message of cultural unity.
History of Baisakhi
What is the Baisakhi Festival?
Baisakhi is actually a harvest festival, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Punjab, Haryana and many states of North India. When the Rabi crop (like wheat) is ready, the farmers celebrate their hard work. They thank Waheguru and pray that the next year also be filled with such prosperity. This day is even more special for the Sikh religion, because on this day the Khalsa Panth was born. On this day special events like seva, ardas, Nagar Kirtan and langar are organized in Gurdwaras. Punjab’s folk fairs like Bhangra and Gidda are also a part of the festival, in which people dance in colorful clothes.
In the story of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, it is said that he came out of a tent and asked, “Who is ready to sacrifice his life for his faith?” When five people went into the tent and later when all of them came out together wearing turbans, everyone was astonished. They became the Panj Pyare, the first members of Khalsa. They were given Amrit and the tradition of Sikh baptism started. This day was a turning point for Sikh identity.
Baisakhi is also celebrated as an important festival in Hindu religion. It has its own deep significance in Hindu religion too. According to the Hindu calendar, this day is the first day of Vikram Samvat, which is celebrated as Baisakh Sankranti. In many places, this day is also celebrated as the day of entry of the Sun god – when the Sun god enters the Aries zodiac. In the Hindu tradition too, this day is the beginning of a new cycle, where people celebrate this holy tithi by performing puja, donating and taking a bath. Which means, Baisakhi is one such festival which brings together the three things of religion, tradition and nature.
A painful story is also associated with Baisakhi- the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. On 13 April 1919, British General Dyer opened fire on innocent people in Amritsar. These people had gathered peacefully on the day of Baisakhi. This incident gave a new turn to the freedom movement of India. Some people also believe that Aurangzeb tortured the Sikh community a lot to convert them to Muslims for which the 9th Sikh Guru was also killed and to get freedom from this torture, the 10th Sikh Guru founded the Khalsa panth on this day.
Why do we celebrate Baisakhi?
Baisakhi is a festival that marks the beginning of the harvesting season, especially for Rabi crops grown in states like Punjab and Haryana. This day is very important for farmers as it is the time of fruits of their hard work. When golden stacks of wheat are seen in the fields, farmers rejoice and thank Mother Earth. In fact, Baisakhi is also a Thanksgiving festival, a celebration of the cycle of life and nature.
But Baisakhi is not just a sikh festival, it also has deep religious and cultural significance. This day is special for Sikhism because on this day in 1699 Guru Gobind Singh Ji founded the Khalsa Panth. This event established Sikhism in a new organized form, which includes the basic principles of courage, service, equality and religion. Sikhs celebrate this day with great devotion and enthusiasm – there is a feast in the Gurudwaras, Nagar Kirtan is taken out and a langar is organized.
Baisakhi has its own significance in Hindu religion too. It is the first day of the month of Vaisakh, which is also celebrated as the Hindu New Year at some places. It also marks the beginning of the solar new year. In Punjab and some other states, the spring harvest and the new cycle of nature are welcomed on this day.
In such a situation, Baisakhi is a cultural and spiritual festival that teaches us the path of unity, gratitude, and renewal. In Baisakhi 2025, will be celebrated on 13 April, Saturday, and the time of Sankranti will be 9:15 in the evening (according to Drik Panchang).
How do we celebrate Baisakhi?
- Pooja and Kirtan in Gurdwaras:
Early in the morning people go to Gurdwara, where Guru Granth Sahibji is offered prayers. After the pooja there is a prayer, and everyone enjoys seva and langar together.
- Nagar Kirtan:
Sikhs take out Nagar Kirtan, in which Panj Pyare leads the procession. During this, people sing bhajans, the dhol is played, and the whole atmosphere is devotional.
- Bhangra-Gidda and Mela:
Fairs are held in the villages and towns of Punjab. Folk dances like Bhangra and Gidda are the most special. There are also swings, food stalls, and fun games for children.
- Baisakhi Festival at Home:
- The house is decorated with colorful decorations.
- Traditional food is prepared, like lassi, chhole bhature, and halwa.
- Kirtan is heard, or Sikh history videos are watched with family and friends.
- Baisakhi Celebration at School:
- The school is decorated.
- There is a cultural program in which students perform a dance, poem, or play.
- Sikh guest speakers are called to tell about Sikhism and Khalsa Panth.
- Baisakhi in Office:
- The office is decorated.
- A traditional food potluck is arranged.
- Posters and banners are put up to tell Sikh history.
In which state is Baisakhi celebrated?
Baisakhi is mainly celebrated with great pomp in Punjab and Haryana, along with it it is also celebrated in different states of India, but in different states it is known by different names. In the South Indian state of Kerala, this day is celebrated as Vishu and in Tamilnadu as Puthandu. In the North-East Indian state of Assam, Baisakhi is celebrated as Bohag Bihu. It is also celebrated in Delhi, Chandigarh, Jalandhar in North India and Sikh communities around the world also celebrate this festival. But all these festivals have a common theme – new beginnings, respect for nature and praise for prosperity.
Baisakhi Celebration in Punjab:
Baisakhi is celebrated with great pomp and show in Punjab. Here, it is not just a harvest festival but also the Sikh New Year. People go to Gurdwara to pay their respects, come out to Nagar Kirtan and celebrate by wearing Bhangra-Gidda.
Baisakhi Celebration in Haryana:
Along with Punjab, Baisakhi is also celebrated with great enthusiasm in Haryana. Here too people organize fairs and enjoy traditional dance and games.
Amritsar:
Amritsar is the spiritual hub of Baisakhi because of the Golden Temple. Thousands of people come here to remember Guru Gobind Singh Ji and to pay their respects. The special atmosphere of Nagar Kirtan and langar is worth seeing.
Delhi:
Baisakhi celebration is wonderful in Delhi too. In Gurudwaras, one can enjoy Bhajan-Kirtan, cultural shows and traditional food. People from outside states also come here.
Haryana:
Baisakhi fair is held every year in Haryana in which there are competitions for students and singing-dancing programs for adults. There is a very energetic celebration here.
Chandigarh:
Chandigarh is also a popular destination for Baisakhi. People offer prayers in Gurudwaras and enjoy folk dance and music in the evening.
Jalandhar:
Baisakhi is also celebrated in a very colorful way in Jalandhar. Folk dance, bhangra, gidda and traditional performances are the main attractions here.
What is the importance of Baisakhi?
The biggest importance of Baisakhi is the celebration of harvesting season:
During this time, wheat like Rabi crop is ready in Punjab, Haryana and many parts of North India. For farmers, this day is like getting the fruits of their hard work.
On this day, people:
- go to the fields early in the morning and worship,
- thank Mother Earth,
- and start their life with new hopes like a new year.
This day is a moment of gratitude for them – if the crop is good then it is their happiness, and if it is good then it is a prayer that everything will be good next year.
Special foods of Baisakhi – Taste of the festival
Just like every festival is incomplete without food, Baisakhi is also incomplete without food. Traditional dishes of Punjab are made with great zeal in every household on this day. These foods are not only tasty but are also beneficial for health.
Top Baisakhi Special Dishes:
- Sarson Da Saag te Makki Di Roti:
Iconic combo of Punjab! Garam-garam saag and maize roti with butter tikkha — the ultimate comfort food!
- Kadhi Chawal:
With a mildly tangy taste, kadhi chawal is the favourite dish of every Punjabi household. It is even more delicious on Baisakhi.
- Chole Bhature:
With a rich and spicy taste, chole bhature is the star dish of every celebration.
- Pinni & Atta Laddoo:
Laddoo made in desi ghee, full of energy and with a very homely taste.
- Sweet Lassi:
Homemade cold meethi lassi – a perfect combo with every meal.
- Meethe Chawal (Sweet Yellow Rice):
Filled with turmeric and dry fruits, this meetha dish is a perfect blend of tradition and taste.
- Kheer:
Kheer made with milk, rice and dry fruits – a sweet ending to every Punjabi festive meal.
Conclusion:
Baisakhi: A Festival of Happiness, Culture and Unity
Whether you are in Punjab or any other state, the essence of Baisakhi is universal – celebrating life, honouring both earth and religion, and sharing happiness together.
If you have not seen Baisakhi celebration live till now, then definitely go to Punjab once and enjoy this festival. A new energy will come in your life!