Baisakhi is a festival celebrated in Sikhism, usually on 13 or 14 April, and is a significant day for farmers and Sikhs. This article discusses the history and significance of the festival.
Introduction of Baisakhi
Baisakhi is a significant festival celebrated in Sikhism, usually on 13 or 14 April, and is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm by Sikhs all around the world. This festival holds great importance for the farmers as they celebrate the joy of their crop ripening. The festival also marks the beginning of a new year for the Sikhs. In this article, we will discuss in detail the history and significance of the Baisakhi festival.
Why is Baisakhi Celebrated?
Baisakhi is celebrated for several reasons, one of which is related to agriculture. The festival is celebrated as the harvesting season comes to an end, and farmers celebrate their hard work and the joy of their crop ripening. They thank God for the new crop and celebrate the occasion by singing and dancing. The festival is also celebrated as the Punjabi New Year.
Baisakhi History
Baisakhi has great historical significance for the Sikhs. It marks the day when the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, founded the Khalsa Panth. On this day in the year 1699, Guru Gobind Singh called upon Sikhs to gather in Anandpur Sahib, a city located in Punjab. Thousands of Sikhs gathered, and Guru Gobind Singh appeared before them with a sword in his hand.
Guru Gobind Singh asked the Sikhs for a volunteer who would be willing to sacrifice his life. A brave Sikh named Daya Ram stepped forward, and Guru Gobind Singh took him inside a tent. When Guru Gobind Singh emerged from the tent, his sword was covered in blood. Guru Gobind Singh then asked for another volunteer, and four more Sikhs stepped forward. This process was repeated five times.
After the fifth volunteer, Guru Gobind Singh appeared before the Sikhs with the five Sikhs dressed in blue, the color of the sky, and wearing turbans. These five Sikhs were known as the Panj Pyare or the Five Beloved Ones. Guru Gobind Singh then baptized the five Sikhs and established the Khalsa Panth. The purpose of the Khalsa Panth was to protect the Hindus and prevent injustice from other religions.
Significance of Baisakhi
Baisakhi is a significant festival for Sikhs as it marks the beginning of a new year. On this day, Sikhs visit Gurudwaras and offer prayers. They also participate in Nagar Kirtan, a procession in which the Sikh Holy Scriptures, the Guru Granth Sahib, is carried on a decorated float.
During the procession, Sikhs sing hymns and distribute sweets and other delicacies. This procession is a symbol of unity, and people from all walks of life participate in it. The festival is also celebrated by performing Bhangra and Giddha, traditional Punjabi folk dances.
Baisakhi is not only celebrated in India but also in other parts of the world where Sikhs reside. In countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, Sikhs celebrate the festival with great enthusiasm and joy.
