Vaisakhi is the most beautiful Punjabi festival when the sunny bright warmth peaks in and the grown crops are harvested. It’s the mesmerizing time in Punjab that marks the offset of the spring season and also the beginning of the new solar year.
The festival will be celebrated on the date 13th of April when the fields will look golden and the people dance with the parade of joy. Mostly, bhangra is performed at this time of the year by the farmers when their reaped crops bloom successfully at the end of the year.
Let’s learn more about Vaisakhi Fest in this blog, telling you about the main traditions people should observe this time.
1. The Cultural Decor
At this time of the year, the festivity usually begins with decorating up the state at different places called doing the cultural decor. It’s one of the important traditional rituals performed when time strikes. The Punjab people, especially the Sikhs gather together to elevate the festivity celebrations.
Torans and Bandanwars are placed above the home’s doorways and windows. These accessories are usually made up of fresh flowers, colorful beads, fabrics, and mango leaves. Rangolis and Chownk Purna are also made on the floor at the entrance of homes using colored rice and floral powder.
For positivity and elegance, the Swastika design or the lotus flower design is drawn which brings prosperity and good luck into the house as families start the new year. Also, some people place a Lotus flower Plate pyramid at their home altars to attract positivity and success in life.
In addition, Phulkaris are an essential decorative item during the baisakhis. The Phulkari dupattas, wall hangings, and table runners are seen everywhere all around the homes as decorative elements.
2. Nagar Kirtan
Nagar Kirtan is one of the most auspicious celebrations done on Baisakhi diwas. It’s a vibrant moment when hymns are sung, Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s holy scripture is displayed and the parade of joy and sweets walk its way in the streets.
People wake up in the morning early and Visit Gurudwaras for prayers and then participate in the religious processions called Nagar Kirtan.
3. Cooking Traditional Dishes
Traditional dishes like Kadha prasad, makki di roti, and sarson da saag, Chole Bhature, Pinni, meethe peele chawal are cooked on this very particular day. In addition, kheer, lassi, and jalebi are some tempting sweets that beat the heat during that moment of celebration.
These dishes are a reflection of the Punjabi culture and heritage, which has passed through generations from a long time ago.
4. Organization of Fairs
Another alluring thing that is done at the Vaisakhi festival is an organization of Melas surrounding nearby areas of the residences. Vaisakhi melas are also hosted in celebration venues by some people where people gather for fun, laughter, dance, games, and rides.
Stalls are also displayed for shopping like for buying traditional suits, dupattas, ornaments, or any kind of men’s Punjabi wear and accessories.
Handmade crafts, Baisakhi paintings, or Punjabi props can also be bought from the Melas, which are counted as souvenirs to cherish the celebration memories later on.
5. Celebrating Harvesting Beauty
The festivity holds great importance for farmers because on this day the bountiful harvest is done. The golden fields are the highlights of the beauty.
It’s as if nature is swaying in the breeze and is answering the farmers that ‘I have got your back’ because the farmers work tirelessly to bring food to our tables.
Importance Of Baisakhi Festival in Sikh History
The Baisakhi Festivity holds great importance for Sikhs as well because on this day the foundation of Khalsa was done in the year 1699. The Sikh’s 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, established Khalsa Panth in Anandpur Sahib.
It was like what Guru Gobind Singh Ji called the Sikhs who were willing to sacrifice their lives for their faith. Five Sikhs stepped forward for this act called Panj Pyare. So, at that time, the establishment of Khalsa Panth was done.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave the Khalsa a distinct identity, giving them five Ks called Kesh, Kara, Kanga, Kachera and Kirpan. Along with this, Kaur surname for women and Singh for Men. This event marked the formalization of the Sikh Community which will act as a collective body to work for justice, protection, and righteousness.
To Conclude
So, this was a brief about the Vaisakhi fest, the top traditions, and also how valuable it is in Sikh History. On the day of Vaisakhi, go to Gurudware Sahib, bow before Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and ask for divine blessings and wisdom in life. You’d be granted eternal prosperity and happiness.
