How Vaisakhi is celebrated in Punjab

In the northern Indian state of Punjab, people of all religions and cultures celebrate Vaisakhi a fesitval of harvest. Also known as Baisakhi. The event, which ushers in the harvest season, always takes place on April 13 or 14.
In this section, we will describe how Vaisakhi is celebrated in Punjab.

Why it is celebrated

For Sikhs, however, the event has extra significance since it honours Guru Gobind Singh. The tenth Sikh Guru, who founded the Khalsa, a Sikh military society, in 1699. Invoking a volunteer who would be willing to give his head in service of the Sikh cause, Guru Gobind Singh addressed the gathering after instructing his supporters to assemble at Anandpur Sahib on this day.

Daya Ram, one of his followers, offered to help, but Guru Gobind Singh led him into a tent and brought him out moments later brandishing a bloody sword. Daya Ram was unexpectedly unharmed, and Guru Gobind Singh then requested the assistance of another volunteer. This went on till five courageous men gave their life to save the Sikh cause. The first five Khalsa members were then baptised by Guru Gobind Singh as the Khalsa. Since then, Vaisakhi has been celebrated as a major festival by Sikhs around the world.

Vaisakhi is traditionally celebrated in the following ways:

1. Visiting Gurdwaras: On this day, people in Punjab rise early to travel to their neighbourhood Gurdwaras, or Sikh temples. People offer prayers and seek blessings from the Guru Granth Sahib, the religion’s sacred book.
2. Nagar Kirtan: On the day of Vaisakhi, Sikhs march through the streets singing hymns and promoting Sikhism in a religious procession .
3. Bhangra and Gidda: On Vaisakhi, traditional Punjabi dances such as Bhangra and Gidda are performed. To the beats of the dhol, a traditional Punjabi drum, people dress in brightly coloured clothing and dance.
4. Langar: On the day of Vaisakhi, Gurdwaras put up free kitchens for the public where volunteers prepare and serve food to anyone entering the temple. The goal of doing this is to advance the ideals of equality and volunteerism.
5. Melas: On Vaisakhi Day, fairs are organised throughout Punjab, bringing people together to participate in food, music, and other cultural activities.

Overall, Vaisakhi is a time of immense joy and celebration in Punjab, where people gather to honour their history and cultural customs as well as the harvest season. Vaisakhi is a time for the community to come together and celebrate the diversity of Punjab’s culture and tradition, whether it be by visiting Gurdwaras, taking part in Nagar Kirtan, dancing Bhangra and Gidda, sharing Langar feasts, or taking in the festivities of a Mela.

We are reminded of the value of upholding and honouring our own cultural traditions while also accepting the diversity and richness of other cultures as we consider the meaning of Vaisakhi. May the Vaisakhi spirit continue to motivate us to unite in harmony, peace, and unity.

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