On April 14, 2009, Millions of Sikhs world-wide celebrate Vaisakhi Day, a day that marks both the New Year and the anniversary of one of Sikhism's most important events, the establishment of Khalsa in 1699.
India's rich and glorious civilization is mirrored in its innumerable fairs and festivals.
The Vaisakhi is of prime importance in Sikhism as a foundation day of Khalsa Panth. Besides, auspicious Baisakhi day is of importance for astrological reasons too. Based on the Indian solar calendar, this festival falls on April 13 every year and on April 14 once every 36 years.
For the agriculturally rich state of Punjab, Baisakhi marks the time for harvest of winter crops and is therefore extremely significant for the farmers. Vaisakhi Festival is also celebrated as a Thanksgiving Day festival in Punjab state. After waking up early and dressing themselves in new clothes, farmers visit temples and gurdwaras to express gratitude to God for the good harvest and seek blessing for ensuing agriculture season. Farmers also celebrate Vaisakhi by performing energetic bhangra and gidda dance and participating in Vaisakhi Fairs.
Vaisakhi is of major importance for the people following Sikh faith. As it was on a Vaisakhi 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. On the same day the guru administered amrit (nectar) to his first batch of five disciples making them Singhs, a martial community. By doing so, he eliminated the differences of high and low and established that all human beings were equal. Guru Gobind Singh also bestowed on Khalsa, the unique Sikh identity. He directed Sikhs to wear five Ks: Kesh or long hair, Kangha or comb, Kripan or dagger, Kachha or shorts and a Kara or bracelet. 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.
Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi by participating in special prayer meetings organized at gurdwaras. They also carry out joyful Vaisakhi processions to mark the day. Besides, Vaisakhi day is of relevance for the Buddhists as Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment and Nirvana on this auspicious day. Festivals are occasions when people cast aside their misunderstandings and ill-feelings and refurbish relations of fellow feeling and amity.
Happy Vaisakhi to all.
