Baisakhi 2023: The Sikh New Year officially begins with the festival of Baisakhi. It is a spring harvest festival that is primarily observed in Punjab and Haryana, two northern states. The celebration, also known as Vaisakhi, honours the founding of the Khalsa Panth of warriors under Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. Baisakhi will be celebrated on April 14 this year.
The Story Behind this Joyful Occasion
After the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, the concept of Baisakhi was formed. The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb publicly beheaded him. Guru Gobind Singh succeeded Guru Tegh Bahadur as the tenth Guru of the Sikhs after Tegh Bahadur’s passing. Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh guru, decided to form the Khalsa Panth in 1699 on the celebration of Baisakhi. During Baisakhi, according to legend, Guru Gobind Singh emerged from a tent brandishing a sword. If any Sikh was willing to give his life up, he questioned. After that, a volunteer entered the tent, and when they eventually emerged, only Guru had his sword smeared in blood. Others became nervous when Guru Gobind Singh repeated the same with five volunteers. But afterwards, all five men—wearing turbans—came out with the Guru. The Panj Piare, also known as the Beloved Five, was the name given to the five men. The Guru then baptised them into the Khalsa.
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Special Ardaas and Kirtan on Baisakhi
Baisakhi is celebrated with folk dances, singing, and devotion. Men perform bhangra in communities, while women perform gidda. Before going to gurudwaras and praying, Sikhs take a morning bath and dress in fresh clothes. At gurudwaras, special ardaas and kirtan are held, and thereafter kada prasad is served. Additionally, when volunteers serve langar, people sit in rows.
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