Baisakhi 2017: Festival Of Luck & Prosperity

Baisakhi will be observed on 14th April 2017. This day is also celebrated as Sikh New Year as per Hindu Solar Calendar. The main reason to celebrate this festival is to thank God for good harvesting of crops and to memorialize the establishment of Khalsa. To know more about this festival, keep reading...

Legends Of Vaisakhi Or Baisakhi

Before celebrating Vaisakhi, let’s first discuss the legends associated with Vaisakhi:

Guru Gobind Singh

In the year 1699, Guru Gobind Singh, who was the tenth Guru of Sikh community, addressed an assembly of around 50,000 to 80,000 Sikhs. During this congregation, Guru Gobind Singh laid down the foundation of Khalsa.

Khalsa describes purity, principles, and values of Sikh community. Anyone who becomes the member of Khalsa, is considered as a true Sikh. He/she have to follow all the rules and regulations by shedding all his inside evils and weaknesses.

From the origination of Khalsa, Vaisakhi is considered as an important day for the Sikh community.

Legend Of Farmers

Baisakhi is an important day for all the farmers of North India. They show their regard and pay gratitude toward the Almighty on the day of Vaisakhi, for the abundant harvest. They also pray for the future prosperity and suitable season for harvesting.

Foundation Of Arya Samaj

In year 1875, Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded Arya Samaj on the day of Baisakhi. Arya Samaj is a group of Hindus, who rely on Vedas for wisdom and spiritual enlightenment. These people do not believe in worshiping the idol or any physical object.

Legend Of Gautam Buddha

Baisakhi is also celebrated as Buddha Purnima in many parts of the country. It is the day when Gautam Buddha achieved enlightenment or Nirvana in Gaya, Bihar.

Buddha Purnima holds an important significance for the Buddhist community.

All these events from different communities marks the significance of the festival Baisakhi.

Celebrations Of Baisakhi Or Vaisakhi In 2017

Celebrations of festivals in India are always very colorful and joyous, which boosts up the mood and fill the atmosphere with positive vibes. People dress up in their best clothes and enjoy mouth watering delicacies. Being a Punjabi festival, Baisakhi is full of colors and a large variety of food.

Baisakhi Celebrations Of Sikh Community

If you belong to the Sikh community, you must be waiting for Baisakhi in 2017. As Sikhs are now migrated to different parts of the world, like United States, United Kingdom, Canada etc., so it is celebrated worldwide with full enthusiasm and warmth.

They wear new clothes, congratulate each other, go to the nearest Gurudwara in the morning, to offer prayers and offerings. A ceremonial bath is given to Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book), with milk and water. The book is then placed on its throne with honor and respect. The followers gather in Gurdwara to read Guru Granth Sahib with full devotion and dedication. Ladies and children also participate in these celebrations.

In an open field, Bhangra (the folk dance of Punjab) is performed by men and women. They wear colorful dresses, making the atmosphere enchanting and colorful. A wave of energy flows through the entire ambience.

Baisakhi Celebrations For Farmers

Farmers celebrate Baisakhi, as a ceremony to say thanks to God. They visit Gurdwara to offer prayers and show their gratitude towards the Almighty.They also enjoy traditional folk dances like, Bhangra and Gidda. Baisakhi fairs (Melas) are also organized at different places, which add on to the joy of celebrations. These fairs act as the major crowd puller.

Baisakhi Celebrations: Around The Country

Baisakhi is celebrated all around the country in a number of ways. Here’s how:

1. In Kerala, Vaisakhi is celebrated as Vishu. For the people of the state, Baisakhi marks the beginning of New Year.
2. In Tamil Nadu, Bengal, and Odisha, Baisakhi is celebrated as Naba Barsha.
3. Bihar celebrates Baisakhi as Vaishakha. On this day, people honor and worship Lord Sun (Surya Deva).
4. In Assam, people call Vaisakhi as Rongali Bihu. This day is celebrated as the beginning of New Year, according to the Hindu Calendar. Here, Baisakhi is popularly known as the starting season of sowing rice.

Spiritual Significance Of Baisakhi

Baisakhi has a remarkable spiritual significance for different communities; however, it is mainly celebrated in Punjab. Won’t it be great to explore the spiritual significance of Baisakhi? On this Vaisakhi, let us throw some light on some really interesting facts related to Baisakhi.

Significance Of Baisakhi For Sikh Community

As Khalsa was originated on the day of Baisakhi; therefore, festival of Baisakhi holds immense importance for the Sikh community.

Khalsa is the principle of Sikh community. It is a symbol of respect for the values of Sikh tradition, and is associated with their spiritual feelings. The Sikhs who become the member of Khalsa, follow the rules of the religion and wear the five signs of Khalsa. These five signs are called the signs of bravery and purity and are represented as the five Ks.

The five signs of Khalsa are:

• Kesh (Hair) - it signifies the value of one’s identity. Growing one’s hair shows that the strength lies in one’s own hands.
• Kanga (Comb) - it signifies that it is not just growing your hair, but to maintain them cleanly and neatly.
• Kada (Bangle) - it symbolises the cyclical nature of life that is the Kada in one’s hand, which also states that the person is responsible for his own deeds.
• Kachera (the undergarment) - it signifies the dignity, control over one’s sexual desires and modesty for the one who wears it.
• Kirpan (sword) - it states that the Sikh should always protect and help the people around.

Significance Of Vaisakhi For Farmers

As Vaisakhi is considered the important time for harvesting of winter crops; hence, Baisakhi has huge importance for the farmers. This festival brings wealth and prosperity to the agricultural practices of the farmers. They thank god for the abundant crop yielding and pray for the future prosperity.

Significance Of Baisakhi For Other Religions

Not only for the Hindus, but Baisakhi is also a significant festival for the Hindus and Buddhists. Want to know how? Here are the answers:

• Arya Samaj was originated by Swami Dayanand Saraswati on the day of Baisakhi
• Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment or Nirvana on this day (Vaisakhi) in Gaya, Bihar

Delicious Dishes Of Baisakhi

The craze and spirit of Baisakhi doubles up with the ravishing delicacies of the day. Here are some mouth watering dishes which you can enjoy this Vaisakhi and give your taste buds a treat truly incomparable.

The famous dishes consumed during Baisakhi are the core Punjabi dishes. Punjab is famous for its spicy and rich food. The all time favorite food of Punjab is ‘ Sarson Da Saag and Makke Di Roti .’Other than this, you can also enjoy - Chole Bhature, Rajma Masala, and Punjabi Kadhi on Baisakhi.

Make Baisakhi 2017 Special For Your Kids

Children love eating their favorite dishes. Chocolates, sweets, and snacks are their all time favorite. But, this Baishakhi, give your kids the dishes meant exclusively for this festival. Prepare sweet dishes like Kheer (sweet rice porridge), Suji ka Halwa, Gajar ka Halwa and Lassi and make Baisakhi exciting for them.

With this article, we hope that Baisakhi will add colors to your life, bringing lots of wealth and prosperity. We are sure that this article has helped you in understanding the significance of Vaisakhi. Wish you a happy and prosperous Baisakhi. Enjoy this day and make Vaisakhi memorable one.