Baisakhi
Baisakhi is popular harvest festival celebrated with lot of enthusiasm in Punjab. Celebrated on 13th April every year, it is a celebration for harvesting of the rabi crop( winter wheat crop). It also marks the beginning of a New Year in North India, especially the state of Punjab. The festival is also celebrated as the founding day of Khalsa by 10th Guru of Sikhs, the revered Guru Govind Singh. The festival is a time for relaxation and feasts. It is accompanied with lots of cultural programs and dances. Baisakhi is a state holiday in Punjab. It is celebrated with lot of fervor in the state of Haryana. Men and women buy new clothes, jewellery and organize fairs. It is a time of communal celebration and thanksgiving.
Baisakhi, the harvest festival is also considered as the action of commemorating brotherhood in Sikhism. On this day the Grant Sahib scriptures are placed on a throne and then read out loud.This is usually followed by Kada Prasad being distributed to all the people who have gathered. People also go to the Golden temple, on this day to seek blessings. Baisakhi is celebrated by the Sikh Diaspora all over the world, with traditional dance forms like Bhangra and Gidda along with folk music and feasts.
Beautiful and lively atmosphere at the traditional fairs thanks to the amazing wrestling bouts, acrobatics and other such activities are another reason for the family and loved ones to come together to celebrate the festival. Those celebrating Baisakhi visit Gurdwara for special prayers where the Holy Book is taken for a parade called Nagar Kirtan.
While the Northern state of Punjab pulsates with festivity, the same day is celebrated in the Southern states of Tamil Nadu (Puthandu) and Kerala (Vishu) as well as in the Eastern states of West Bengal (Nabo Varsho) and Assam (Bihu). Even though Baisakhi is essentially a Sikh festival, this is yet another occasion that serves as proof of how much commonality is there in the diversity that is India.
the harvest festival holds the same significance for the farmers. The celebration is grand and huge. The ladies and gents sing, dance (Giddha and Bhangra), and there are many more sporting events that take place throughout the day. This day holds the same significance like in the ancient times, as it marks the new beginning of the Sikh calendar, where praying, worshiping in Gurdwara, and thanking God for the harvest are done by the followers.
The holy teachings led by Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji are still prevalent and practiced across the Sikh community. Langar (the free food) is the part of his teachings, which served free of cost in the Gurdwaras..
Now, you know everything in brief about this glorious festival of Baisakhi, but we don’t stop here because this festival also has special significance in other religions too. Let's read more to make Baisakhi more special.
About Baisakhi Festival:-
Baisakhi has special significance for two of India's major religious groups. For the Hindus, it is the start of the New Year, and is celebrated with requisite bathing, partying, and worshipping. It's believed that thousands of years ago, Goddess Ganga descended to earth and in Her honor, many Hindus gather along the sacred Ganges River for ritual baths. The action is centered in the holy cities along the Ganges in north India, or in Srinagar's Mughal Gardens, Jammu's Nagbani Temple, or anywhere in Tamil Nadu. Hindus plant poles (wrapped in flags of god-embroidered silk) in front of their homes, and hang pots of brass, copper or silver on top.
This day of Baisakhi is otherwise also significance for the Hindus as it was on this day in 1875 that Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj - a reformed sect of Hindus who are devoted to the Vedas for spiritual guidance and have discarded idol worship. Besides, Baisakhi day is of relevance for the Buddhists as Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment and Nirvana on this auspicious day.
In Kerala, the festival is called 'Vishu'. It includes fireworks, shopping for new clothes and interesting displays called 'Vishu Kani'. These are arrangements of flowers, grains, fruits, cloth, gold, and money are viewed early in the morning, to ensure a year of prosperity. In Assam, the festival is called Bohag Bihu, and the community organizes massive feasts, music and dancing.
Major attraction of Baisakhi celebrations in villages is the performance of energetic bhangra and gidda folk dance by men and women respectively. This very popular traditional folk dance is performed in-groups on the fast beat of dhol. Dancers perform everyday farming scenes of sowing, harvesting, winnowing and gathering of crops through zestful movements of the body to the accompaniment of ballads.
Significance of Baisakhi in Sikhism:-
Baisakhi is of major importance for the people following Sikh faith. As it was on a Baisakhi Day, in the year 1699 that the Tenth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh founded Khalsa Panth or the Order of Pure Ones and gave a unique identity to Sikhs. The Sikhs are the only people who celebrate their birthday because they were born on that day as a new nation. There is hardly any group in the world that can boast such a privilege.
On this day the Guru Gobind Singhji administered Amrit (nectar) to his first batch of five disciples making them Singhs, a martial community. The tenth Guru initiated the five Sikhs (Panj Piaras) who in turn baptised the Guru. Thus distinction between the Guru and disciple was fused and the Guru undoubtedly became the father of the Khalsa nation The duality in spirituality between the Master and disciple (Chela) is observed when the disciple adheres to the Master’s teachings and discipline. The men took on a common surname, Singh ('Lion'), a reminder to be courageous, which they still do to this day. Women take on the name Kaur ('Princess'), to emphasise dignity. The Sikh Gurus exceeded this relationship by giving their followers to adopt their form.
Khalsa is my form.
In the Khalsa do I reside (Guru Gobind Singh)
.By doing so, he eliminated the differences of high and low as people of all classes and castes came forward to adopt this new religion; especially those who had been depressed and despoiled for generations under an obstinate social system. After adopting Sikhism as their new faith they could now discard the stamp of inferiority and attained equality with the highest in the land. Thus Guru Gobind Singhji established that all human beings were equal.
The creation of Khalsa nation gave rise to 3 important aspects of Sikhism namely the Khalsa civilisation; the Sikh form and the manner of implementing the philosophy of Guru Nanak as prescribed – Shabad surat abyass:
Suraṯ sabaḝ bẖav sĝgar ṯarī▫ai Nĝnak nĝm vakẖĝṇe.
By Surat-Shabad do thou cross the ocean of phenomena
By uttering His Nam, O Nanak
The mission of Guru Nanak was achieved after the sacrifices of the Gurus, sacrifice by the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh and numerous sacrifices by shahid Singhs. These three aspects encompassed and protected all that was achieved during the 314 years.
Baisakhi is celebrated across the globe wherever there are Sikh people. They are reminded of the great baptismal ceremony of 13th April 1699 when the first five Sikhs were initiated into the Khalsa Order. Sikhs celebrate Baisakhi by participating in special prayer meetings organized at gurdwaras. They also carry out joyful Baisakhi processions to mark the day.
If the Sikh religion had not been created the work done for 314 years would have been dissipated and at the most the followers of the Gurus would have been dubbed Nanak panthis similar to Kabir panthis. The message of the Gurus would have been lost. And Nanak would have become another object of worship. The Sikhs would have been prey to pseudo Gurus. This scenario is evidenced by the fact that even today some non-practicing Sikhs have gone astray and adopted fake Gurus and others digressed almost into idol worship and forfeiting their faith in gurbani – Bani is Guru and the Guru is Bani.
History of Baisakhi Festival:-
The Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb, installed himself as the Emperor of India in 1657. To achieve his aim he had annihilated almost all his family opposition. Immediately after consolidating his power he embarked on a policy of religious persecution and set upon the process of Islamization of India. The Brahmins were his primary target. He levied unethical religious taxes against Hindus, and shut their temples and places of learning. He had been convinced by his clerics that once the Brahmins accepted Islam the others would follow. The Brahmins, particularly the inhabitants of Kashmir, looked for some dynamic leadership to fight this subversion. Going to Battle!
Painting of Guru Teg Bahadhur ji The Brahmins of Kashmir approached Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621-1675), the ninth in the line of Sikh Gurus, who was on the throne of the Sikh religion. They asked him for guidance on combatting the atrocities committed by the Mughal Emperor.
At the time of their meeting, Guru Tegh Bahadur's nine year old son, Gobind Rai, was sitting beside him. As Guru Tegh Bahadur went into a deep state of contemplation, his young son asked the reason of his repose. Guru Tegh Bahadur said that the matter was of vital importance; the world is aggrieved by oppression; and no brave man had yet come forward who was willing to sacrifice his life to free the earth from the burden of' Aurangzeb's persecution of Hindus. Young Gobind Rai replied: "For that purpose who is more worthy than thou who art at once generous and brave." So after entrusting the Guruship to Gobind Rai, Guru Tegh Bahadur proceeded towards Delhi, the seat of the Mughal Empire.
Upon reaching Delhi, the Guru and his loyal attendants were immediately imprisoned by Aurangzeb. While in prison, Guru Tegh Bahadur foresaw the beginning of his ecclesiastic journey. To test his son's courage and capability to carry on the Guru's mission, he wrote him saying, "My strength is exhausted, I am in chains and I can make not any efforts. Says Nanak, God alone is now my refuge. He will help me as He did his Saints." In reply young Guru Gobind Rai wrote: "I have regained my Power, my bonds are broken and all options are open unto me. Nanak, everything is in Thine hands. It is only Thou who can assist Thyself."
Guru Teg Bahadur offered his life for the freedom of conscience and conviction of anyone belonging to a faith other than his own. His spirit of sacrifice and courage was kindled into the heart of Gobind Rai.
Hundreds of people gathered around the place where Guru Tegh Bahadur was martyred in Delhi. The executioner abandoned the Guru's body in the open. No one came forward openly to claim the body to perform religious rites. Even ardent disciples withdrew unrecognized. Taking advantage of the stormy weather that followed the execution, two persons covertly took the body of Guru Tegh Bahadur for cremation. This cowardice fomented in Gobind Rai an urge to endow his Sikhs with a distinct identity.
With the criteria of courage and strength to sacrifice, Gobind Rai became the tenth Sikh Guru. He wanted to instill these principles in his downtrodden followers. He wanted to uplift their morale to combat the evil forces of injustice, tyranny, and oppression.
He was 33 years old when he had Divine inspiration to actuate his designs. Every year at the time of Baisakhi (springtime), thousands of devotees would come to Anandpur to pay their obeisance and seek the Guru's blessings. In early 1699, months before Baisakhi Day, Guru Gobind Rai sent special edicts to congregants far and wide that that year the Baisakhi was going to be a unique affair. He asked them not to cut any of their hair -- to come with unshorn hair under their turbans and chunis, and for the men to come with full beards.
On Baisakhi Day, March 30, 1699, hundreds of thousands of people gathered around his divine temporal seat at Anandpur Sahib. The Guru addressed the congregants with a most stirring oration on his divine mission of restoring their faith and preserving the Sikh religion. After his inspirational discourse, he flashed his unsheathed sword and said that every great deed was preceded by equally great sacrifice: He demanded one head for oblation. Guru Gobind Singh asking for a head....After some trepidation one person offered himself. The Guru took him inside a tent. A little later he reappeared with his sword dripping with blood, and asked for another head. One by one four more earnest devotees offered their heads. Every time the Guru took a person inside the tent, he came out with a bloodied sword in his hand.
Thinking their Guru to have gone berserk, the congregants started to disperse. Then the Guru emerged with all five men dressed piously in white. He baptized the five in a new and unique ceremony called pahul, what Sikhs today know as the baptism ceremony called Amrit. Then the Guru asked those five baptized Sikhs to baptize him as well. He then proclaimed that the Panj Pyare-- the Five Beloved Ones -- would be the embodiment of the Guru himself: "Where there are Panj Pyare, there am I. When the Five meet, they are the holiest of the holy."
He said whenever and wherever five baptized (Amritdhari) Sikhs come together, the Guru would be present. All those who receive Amrit from five baptized Sikhs will be infused with the spirit of courage and strength to sacrifice. Thus with these principles he established Panth Khalsa, the Order of the Pure Ones.
At the same time the Guru gave his new Khalsa a unique, indisputable, and distinct identity. The Guru gave the gift of bana, the distinctive Sikh clothing and headwear. He also offered five emblems of purity and courage. These symbols, worn by all baptized Sikhs of both sexes, are popularly known today as Five Ks: Kesh,unshorn hair; Kangha, the wooden comb; Karra, the iron (or steel) bracelet; Kirpan, the sword; and Kachera, the underwear. By being identifiable, no Sikh could never hide behind cowardice again.
Political tyranny was not the only circumstance that was lowering peoples' morale. Discriminatory class distinctions (--the Indian "caste" system--) promoted by Brahmins and Mullahs were also responsible for the peoples' sense of degradation. The Guru wanted to eliminate the anomalies caused by the caste system. The constitution of the Panj Pyarewas the living example of his dream: both the high and low castes were amalgamated into one. Among the original Panj Pyare, there was one Khatri, shopkeeper; one Jat, farmer; one Chhimba, calico printer/tailor; one Ghumar, water-carrier; and one Nai, a barber. The Guru gave the surname ofSingh(Lion) to every Sikh and also took the name for himself. From Guru Gobind Rai he became Guru Gobind Singh. He also pronounced that all Sikh women embody royalty, and gave them the surname Kaur(Princess). With the distinct Khalsa identity and consciousness of purity Guru Gobind Singh gave all Sikhs the opporunity to live lives of courage, sacrifice, and equality.
The birth of the Khalsa is celebrated by Sikhs every Baisakhi Day on . Baisakhi 1999 marks the 300th anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh's gift of Panth Khalsa to all Sikhs everywhere.
When did Baisakhi Celebrated:-
According to Nanakshahi or Sikh Calendar, Baisakhi Festival is celebrated on the first day of Vaisakh month (April-May). According to English calendar, the date of Baisakhi corresponds to April 13 every year and April 14 once in every 36 years. This difference in Baisakhi dates is due to the fact that day of Baisakhi is reckoned according to solar calendar and not the lunar calendar. Baisakhi is celebrated throughout the country with different names and with variant rituals. Baisakhi date coincides with 'Rongali Bihu' in Assam, 'Naba Barsha' in Bengal, Puthandu in Tamil Nadu and 'Pooram Vishu' in Kerala.
Rituals Follewed in Baisakhi:-
In the morning of Baisakhi, people take part in a big nahan (bath) at all the rivers and tanks. From early morning there is a great rush of people. Dressed in festive attire, people go to temples and gurdwaras with mithai and money (which is supposed to be one-tenth of the total produce or whatever they are capable of donating). They give 'thanks' for their fortune and pray for a better crop the next year. The day is considered very auspicious and big melas (fairs) of cows and buffaloes are organised in the village grounds, where many financial transactions take place. Also, fun melas enliven the landscape in every town and village. Here the old and the young in colourful clothes and turbans come to enjoy the mela. The giant wheels and the merry-go-rounds (set up in virtually no time since they are portable and every village has hand-manoeuvred contraptions) provide great entertainment and joy. Eating is the order of the day, and chaat, ice-cream, flossy sugar lollipops and other delicacies are in great demand. Balloons and all varieties of wooden and clay toys are displayed for sale. People take other household or daily requirement articles like pots and pans to sell and buy and the hustle and bustle attracts almost everyone to the fair.
Sometimes, a new-born baby is taken to the temple or gurdwara and the first drink of water is given to it with a rose petal. (Of course, if the baby is a few days old, one is not supposed to deny water to a baby for long.) For the Sikhs, Baisakhi represents a very sanctified day. It is on this day that Guru Gobind Singh initiated the Tanch Piyara' (the five loved ones). He decorated the Khalsa (Khalsa-Sajaya) at Anandpur Sahib near Chandigarh and gave these five people (all from the scheduled castes, and from different provinces of India, e.g., from Punjab, from Uttar Pradesh, from Andhra Pradesh and from Bihar) the first sermon on being a true Sikh. He made them promise not to cut their hair or beard; to always keep a comb; always wear an iron bangle on one arm; always wear an underwear; and always carry a kirpan (a small sword so as to be ever-ready for battle). (Guru Gobind Singh was then fighting the invading Muslims.) Baisakhi becomes a really sacred and pious day for the Sikh community and a true 'Khalsa' rejoices in it.
One of the most sacred pilgrimage centres for the Punjabis, especially for the Sikhs, is Arnritsar, where the Golden Temple is situated. This temple is known as 'Hari Mandir\ It has a huge tank all round the temple and anyone bathing in it is purified, and his or her sins are washed away. On Baisakhi day, water is brought from all the sacred rivers of India and poured into this sarouar (mini-ocean).
Every household teaches its children to give dhaan on Baisakhi day which is the first day of the solar calendar, so that throughout the year the feeling of charity remains in the heart.
Baisakhi Celebrations – Welcoming the Festival of Joy and Happiness:-
Baisakhi is celebrated with great pomp and extreme happiness, especially by the Sikhs. The gurdwaras are cleaned and decorated. Many people throng to the gurdwaras to offer prayers and seek the blessings of the almighty for the prosperous year ahead. Overall, the Baisakhi celebrations are carried out by the Sikhs in a very well planned manner.
In the morning, the Sikh people take bath and wear the new clothes. The Sikh families then assemble at the gurdwaras to attend a specially organized prayer in the morning. After the prayer is over, the devotees are distributed a sweet known as the ‘Kada Prasad’.
Langar is organized for the Worshippers baisakhi festival:-
In the afternoon, around lunch time, a langar (vegetarian food) is organized for the devotees in the gurdwara. All the people whether they are rich or poor are equally served the same food. There is no discrimination followed in the gurdwara.
Procession of Guru Granth Sahib:-
One of the most prominent aspects of Baisakhi celebrations among the Sikh community is a procession (a kind of parade or yatra) of Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture for the Sikhs. During the procession, the devotees dance and sing special prayers.
Worshippers Dance their Heart Out:-
Any Baisakhi celebration is termed to be incomplete without the memorable dance performances. There are two prominent forms of dance that are performed by the Sikhs – bhangra and gidda. Bhangra is essentially a high energy dance that involves plenty of jumping. It is generally performed by both men and women. Gidda is another folk dance traditionally performed by the women. The dance reflects the celebratory mood of the women and their joyful spirits.
Dress Worn by Men:-
During the prominent festivals, there is a tradition among the Sikh community to wear the bright color outfits. Men wear the kurta, pajama or lungi and a turban on their heads.
Dress Worn by Women :-
The Sikh or Punjabi women have two choices when it comes to getting ready for the festival. They can either wear a salwar-kameez or lehenga –choli.
Lip-Smacking Dishes to Eat:-
Sikhs are very fond of eating scrumptious food. On this day, they prepare various kinds of dishes like the potato curry, sarson ka saag, makki di roti, poori, paneer tikkas, vegetable pakora and lots of delicious dishes.
Traditional people give charities on this day to the Brahmin and the poor in order to get better returns in the following year and a place in the heaven.
For the Sikh community, Baisakhi represents a very sanctified day. It is on this day Guru Gobind Singh initiated the Panch Piyara (the five loved ones) from different casts and different parts of India. He also made them promise the five �Ks� that the Sikhs must wear: Kesh (hair), Kacha (a special undergarment), Kripan (dagger), Kangha (comb), and Kara (bangle). There are many Sikhs who cut off their hair and are called Mona Sikh. Guru Nanak was the founder of Sikh religion.
It is the time when the Sikhs remember all the promises they made when they joined the brotherhood of Sikhs. It is also the time when new members join the religion. As they join, they are baptized with sweet water known as amrit. They agree to take a new name. All Sikh men become known as Singh, which means lion, and all Sikh women take the last name of Kaur, which means princess.
Before the ceremony there are prayers and readings from the holy book, the Granth Sahib. The ceremony is followed by a feast of vegetarian meal in a special room in the temple.
Five Holy “Ks” Of The Sikh Community :-
The 5 “Ks” of the Sikh community mark the real significance of Sikhism, a real Sikh is a promising soldier, a warrior who works for the protection of others and lives a spiritual life. It is believed that a real Sikh is the one who adopts these 5 “Ks” and follows them throughout his life. These 5”Ks” are as follows:-
•Kesh (Hair) - the first “K” signifies the value of one’s identity. Growing one’s hair signifies that the strength lies in one’s own hands.
•Kanga (Comb) - the second “K” signifies that it is not just growing your hair, but to keep them clean, covered and well maintained.
•Kada (Bangle) - the third “K” 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 and what goes by comes back too.
•Kachhera (the undergarment) - the fourth “K” signifies the dignity, control over one’s sexual desires and modesty for the one who wears it.
•Kirpan (sword) - the fifth “K” states that the Sikh should always protect and help the people around.
As per the Sikh community, it is believed that a real Sikh is the one who works selflessly towards the betterment of the community and follows the path of equality. The biggest example is their surname 'Singh' for males and 'Kaur' for females. Baisakhi is a festival in which every Sikh irrespective of the place - stays in, visits the Gurdwara, and offers Seva (cooking, cleaning and washing the utensils) towards mankind.
Similarly, Baisakhi is considered to be a new start for the farmers, especially in the Northern part of India i.e Punjab. So, be a part of this holy celebration on Baisakhi to get the pleasure of serving humanity.
Baisakhi Celebrations in Various Parts of India:-
Baisakhi in Kerala:-
In Kerala, this festival is known by the name Vishu. It is considered as a festival of happiness, vibrant colors and light. On this day, the farmers celebrate the good harvest and offer prayer to the God for an excellent year ahead. It is considered to be a tradition to get Vishu Kai Neettam (gift) from the elder members of the family.
Baisakhi in West Bengal:-
Baisakhi is considered as a very propitious day in the Bengali calendar. The day is considered as very auspicious by the merchants or traders to open a new business. Bangla Sangeet Mela is organized to discover the budding musicians and singers of the state.
Baisakhi in Assam:-
In Assam, the Baisakhi festival is known by the name Rongali Bihu, celebrated for seven days. The very first day of the festival is called Goru Bihu. On this day, the cows are worshipped. It is also considered important to wear the new clothes and seek the blessings of the elderly people in the family.
Baisakhi in Bihar:-
In Bihar, the festival is locally called as Vaishakha. It is basically celebrated by the people to welcome the New Year. It is considered extremely auspicious by the people to offer the prayers to the Surya Devta (Sun God).
Thus we can see that as most of us previously thought that Baisakhi is the festival of Punjabis only, it holds a special place in the hearts of people belonging to other religions and countries, too.
Traditions and Celebrations of Bhaisakhi:-
In Punjab, Baisakhi is celebrated with the utmost fervor and exuberance. The Punjabis celebrate by dancing the Giddha and Bhangra in gay abandon in the fields. On this auspicious day, traditionally, the Sikhs pay a visit to the Gurudwara and pay their respects. Religious discourses and kirtans are held at gurudwaras, and karah prasad is distributed. Langar or community lunch is also held at gurudwaras. Volunteers serve meal to the public.
On Baisakhi Day, in honor of the Panj Piaras, religious procession is set out in which five men walk in front of the holy book, with sword in their hands. These men are the religious heads who are second only to the gurus. Devotional music is played during the procession, and hymns are sung, both along the way and at gurudwaras.
Dressed in their distinct folk attire, both men and women express their joy by dancing the Bhangra and Gidda.
Bhangra Costumes:-
Bhangra is traditionally performed by men. Though the norm is to wear a white kurta with a colorful lungi, men can be seen sporting a wide array of colors. The major elements of the ensemble are Turla, Pag, Kaintha, Kurta, Lungi (or Chadar), Jugi and Rumaal.
Gidda Costumes:-
Gidda costumes are traditionally in the form of salwar kameez . The main elements of the ensemble consists of dupatta, kameez, salwar, maang tikka, jhumka, paranda, suggi phul, raani haar, haar-hamela, baazubandh and paizabs. Alternatively, women can also opt for a lehenga choli instead of a salwar kameez. The colorful attire is complemented by heavy costume jewelry.
Baisakhi Mela
At the Baisakhhi Mela, besides folk songs and dance performances, number of stalls are set up. Trinkets and traditional costume jewelry, Bhangra and Gidda costumes or their individual elements, traditional salwar kameez and handicraft items such as phulkari ka kaam (phulkari work) on dupattas and other ensembles are showcased at these stalls.
Bhaisakhi Message:-
Beyond the commemorations, celebrations, and proud recounting of glorious legacy and legends of the historic Baisakhi of 1699, the struggles and sacrifices since, and the unimagined achievements of the Sikhs on the world stage in recent decades, there remain formidable challenges of Sikhs knowing so little about their own faith. Sikhs and their faith continue to be mistakenly identified by other cultures and communities around the world as something that they are not. Going forward, we must make a commitment, that our challenge is not just to dispel unfounded stereotyping, but to recognize that imaginative initiatives and innovative engagements with other communities and institutions is among our most urgent unexplored frontier to be successful citizens in new lands. Our significant multi-level efforts are making a difference
