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Vaisakhi

Vaisakhi, also pronounced Baisakhi[9] marks the first day of the month of Vaisakh and is traditionally celebrated annually on 13 April and sometimes 14 April.[10][3][11] It is seen as a spring harvest celebration primarily in Punjab and Northern India.[12] Further, other Indian cultures and diaspora celebrate this festival too.[13][14][15][2] Whilst it is culturally significant as a festival of harvest, in many parts of India, Vaisakhi is also the date for the Indian Solar New Year.[16][17][18]

Vaisakhi
Sikh procession in Birmingham, England.
Official nameVaisakhi
Also calledBaisakhi, Vaisakha Jayanti, Visakhī
Observed byHindus, Sikhs, Punjabi Muslims[2]
TypeReligious and harvest festival[1]
SignificanceSolar new year,[3][4][5][6] harvest festival, Initiation of Dogra/Shastri Calendar, Birth of the Khalsa,
CelebrationsFairs, processions and temple decorations
ObservancesReligious gatherings and practices
Begins1 Vaisakh (13 April)
Ends2 Vaisakh (14 April)
Date13 April[1]
2023 dateFriday, 14 April[7]
Related toSouth and Southeast Asian solar New Year

For Sikhs, in addition to its significance as the harvest festival,[4] during which Sikhs hold kirtans, visit local gurdwaras, community fairs, hold nagar kirtan processions, raise the Nishan Sahib flag, and gather to socialize and share festive foods,[3][19][20] Vaisakhi observes major events in the history of Sikhism and the Indian subcontinent that happened in the Punjab region.[19][21] Vaisakhi as a major Sikh festival marks the birth of the Khalsa order by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of Sikhism, on 13 April 1699.[22][23][24] Later, Ranjit Singh was proclaimed as Maharaja of the Sikh Empire on 12 April 1801 (to coincide with Vaisakhi), creating a unified political state.[25]

Vaisakhi was also the day when Bengal Army officer Reginald Dyer orders his troops to shoot into a protesting crowd, an event which would come to be known the Jallianwala Bagh massacre; the massacre proved influential to the history of the Indian independence movement.[19]

This holiday is observed by Hindus and is known by various regional names in other parts of India. For many Hindu communities, the festival is an occasion to ritually bathe in sacred rivers such as Ganges, Jhelum, and Kaveri, visit temples, meet friends, take part in other festivities, and perform a mandatory daan (charity) especially of hand fans, water pitchers and seasonal fruits. Community fairs are held at Hindu pilgrimage sites. In many areas, processions of temple deities are taken out. The holiday also marks the worship and propitiation of various deities, such as Durga in Himachal Pradesh, Surya in Bihar, and Vishnu in southern India.[26] Although Vaisakhi began as a grain harvest festival for Hindus and its observance predates the creation of Sikhism,[27][28] it eventually gained historical association with the Sikhs following the inauguration of the Khalsa.[37]

Date edit

Vaisakhi is observed on the 13 or 14 April every year in the 21st century. However, in 1801 AD, it fell on 11 April.[38] This is because the date of Vaisakhi and other Sankrantis keeps changing slowly over years. Vaisakhi would fall on 29 April in Year 2999.[39] The festival coincides with other new year festivals celebrated on the first day of Vaisakh in other regions of the Indian Subcontinent such as Puthandu, Pohela Boishakh, Bohag Bihu, and Vishu.[40][2]

Etymology and pronunciation edit

The word Vaisakhi or Baisakhi is an Apabhraṃśa form evolved from the word Vaishākhī (वैशाखी), derived from the name of the Indian month of Vaishakha.[41] There is no distinction between sounds 'sha' (श) & 'sa' (स)[42] and between 'va' (व) & 'ba' (ब) in Prakrit & Apbhramsa.[43] Hence the name, Vaisakhi or Baisakhi. In tonal languages like Bengali, it is pronounced as 'Boishakhi'.[44] Vaisakhi which is observed on Sankranti of Vaisakh (Vaishakh) month literally means 'related to Vaisakh month', which in turn is derived from the name of a Nakshatra known as Vishakha.[45] In Punjab region, the word Vaisakhi is common, but in the Dogra regions, and the Doabi and Malwai dialects of Punjab, speakers often substitute a B for a V, so it is known as Baisakhi or Basakhi; also people in Jammu call it Basoa.[46] The spelling used depends on the region of the speaker.

Hinduism edit

 
Bathing in rivers is a Vaisakhi tradition

For some Hindus, the first day of Vaisakh marks the traditional solar new year,[47][48][49] in Assam, Bengal, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Kerala, Odisha, Punjab[50] Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand and other parts of India.[2][49] However, this is not the universal new year for all Hindus. For some, such as those in and near Gujarat, the new year festivities coincide with the five-day Diwali festival.[2] For others, the new year falls on Cheti Chand, Gudi Padwa and Ugadi which falls a few weeks earlier.[2][51] The harvest is complete and crops ready to sell, representing a time of plenty for the farmers. Fairs and special thanksgiving pujas (prayers) are common in the Hindu tradition.[52] It is available in the Vanis of the saints that in Satlok, the Vaisakhi-like atmosphere always remains there.

It is regionally known by many names among the Hindus, though the festivities and its significance is similar. It is celebrated by Hindus bathing in sacred rivers, as they believe that river goddess Ganges descended to earth on Vaisakhi from Svarga.[52][53] Some rivers considered particularly sacred include the Ganges, Jhelum and Kaveri. Hindus visit temples, meet friends and party over festive foods.[35]

Haridwar, Uttarakhand edit

Vaisakhi is the day when Hindus believe River Goddess Ganga descended on earth from heaven.[54][55] One of the largest Vaisakhi fair in India is held at Haridwar, which is an important Hindu pilgrimage. Around 50 lakhs (5 million) pligrims throng Brahm Kund in Haridwar to take a dip in Ganga river on this festival.[56][57]

Punjab edit

 
Baba Ram Thaman Shrine

In Punjab, the Hindu Shrine of Katas Raj was known for its Vaisakhi fair.[58] It was attended by around 10,000 pilgrims who were mostly Hindus.[59] Similarly, at the shrine of Bairagi Baba Ram Thaman, a Vaisakhi fair was held annually since 16th century CE which was attended by around 60,000 pilgrims and Bairagi saints from all over India used to throng the shrine.[60][61]

The Vaisakhi fair is at Thakurdwara of Bhagwan Narainji at Pandori Mahatan village in Gurdaspur district of Punjab where the fair lasts for three days from 1st Vaisakha to 3rd Vaisakha.[62] The celebrations start in form of procession on morning of 1st Vaisakha, carrying Mahant in a palanquin by Brahmacharis and devotees. After that Navgraha Puja is held and charities in money, grains and cows are done.[63] At evening, Sankirtan is held in which Mahant delivers religious discourses and concludes it by distributing prasad of Patashas (candy drops). Pilgrims also take ritual bathings at sacred tank in the shrine.[62][64]

Jammu edit

 
Historical Basakhi Mela of Dogras (1950) in Harihar/Mahabilkeshwar mahadev, Balor (Billawar, Durgaradesa)

Vaisakhi is an important festival among Dogra Hindus of Jammu region. On this day, people get up early in the morning, throng the rivers, canals, and ponds and take a ritual dip every year on this occasion. In Dogra households, a Puja is performed afterwards and part of food crop is offered to the deities. New fruit of the year is enjoyed on this day.[65] A Ritual Bath at Tawi river during Vaisakhi is common in Jammu.[66]

Vaisakhi is celebrated at Udhampur on the bank of Devika river where for three days devotees enjoy the folk songs. At Sudhmahadev, this festival is celebrated with great pomp and show where folk singers come down and a competition of folk songs is held. Vendors generally install their shops and stalls of eatables.[67]

Many people go to the Nagbani temple to witness the grand New Year celebration.[68] Vaisakhi is also considered "harvest festival" and considered auspicious, especially for marriages. Celebrations of Vaisakhi also include Dogri Bhangra.[69] According to Ganhar (1975),[70] "Bhangra dances are a special feature of Baisakhi celebrations but bhangra is an importation from the Punjab and is more secular than religious".

The occasion is marked by numerous fairs and people come by the thousands to celebrate Vaisakhi. For example, Airwan in Kathua is known for Vaisakhi fair attended by 10,000 people as per Census 1961.[71] Every year on Baisakhi festival around 15,000 pilgrims pay their obeisance at 700 tear old temple of Subar Nag Devta temple in Bhaderwah.[72] Other places where Vaisakhi fairs are held are Doda Bridge and Ramban.[73]

Himachal Pradesh edit

In Himachal Pradesh, Vaisakhi is an important festival of Hindus.[74] People get up early in the morning and have a ritual bath. Two earthen lamps are lighted on this day one of Sangiya of oil and other one is Jyot of Ghee. These are kept in a large saucer along with water pot, blades of evergreen turf, Kusha, Incense, Sandal, Vermillion and Dakshina (money). With these things worship of household deities is performed. Alms are given in form of rice and pulses with small coins which are placed near Deity. This is called Nasrawan and is commonly to family priest.[75]

Fried cakes of black gram which are prepared a day before are distributed to neighbours after Puja is completed.[76] Special dishes are prepared on this day. White washing is performed on this day and floors are plastered. This is called Prau lagana.[77] In the evening people enjoy fairs which are organised for three days.

Haryana edit

Vaisakhi is celebrated with religious fervour in Yamunanagar and Kurukshetra.[78] In Kurukshetra district, Vaisakhi fair is held at Baan Ganga Tirtha[79], which is associated with Arjuna of Mahabharata. There is a Vaisakhi tradition of ritual bath at the sacred tank of Baan Ganga Tirtha in Village Dayalpur of Kurukshetra. A fair is held annually on Vaisakhi at this Hindu pilgrimage.[80] Besides, Haryana government organizes a Vaisakhi festival in Pinjore Garden to commemorate this religious and cultural festival.[81]

Uttar Pradesh edit

Vaisakhi or Vaisakhi Sankranti is celebrated on first day of Vaisakha, as per Hindu Solar Calendar. This day is also known as Sattuā or Satwahi[82], as Sattu is donated and consumed on this day.[83] The common rites during this festival is bath in a river or pond and to eat Sattu and Gur (Jaggery).[84]

Other Regional Hindu Solar New Years edit

Vaisakhi coincides with the first day of the solar cycle year, that is the solar New Year or Mesha Sankranti which is also related to other regional new years such as 'Vishu' and 'Puthandu' celebrated in Kerala and Tamil Nadu a day after Vaisakhi. The festivities include fireworks, shopping for new clothes and interesting displays called 'Vishu Kani'. Hindus make arrangements of flowers, grains, fruits which friends and family visit to admire as "lucky sight" (Vishukkani). Giving gifts to friends and loved ones, as well as alms to the needy, are a tradition of Kerala Hindus on this festive day.[35] Vaisakhi is also related to Bohag (Rongali) Bihu in Assam and as Pohela Boishakh in Bengal, but typically one or two days after Vaisakhi.[85]

 
Some Indians mark their traditional new year with fireworks

The following is a list of new year festivals:[2][49][86]

Vishu edit

 
A Vishukkani tray before Krishna (Vishnu), a Kerala Hindu tradition

Vishu is a Hindu festival celebrated on the same day as Vaisakhi in the Indian state of Kerala, and falls on the first day of Malayali month called Medam.[87][88] The festival is notable for its solemnity and the general lack of pomp and show that characterize other Hindu festivals of Kerala such as Onam.[87][89]

The festival is marked by family time, preparing colorful auspicious items and viewing these as the first thing on the Vishu day. In particular, Malayali Hindus seek to view the golden blossoms of the Indian laburnum (Kani Konna), money or silver items (Vishukkaineetam), and rice.[87][89] The day also attracts firework play by children,[87][90] wearing new clothes (Puthukodi) and the eating a special meal called Sadya, which is a mix of salty, sweet, sour and bitter items.[91] The Vishu arrangement typically includes an image of Vishnu, typically as Krishna. People also visit temples on the day.[92]

Bohag Bihu edit

 
Celebrating Bohag Bihu in Assam
 
Festive Bihu with Dhuliya is an Assamese Hindu tradition on this day.

Bohag Bihu or Rangali Bihu marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year on 13 April. It is celebrated for seven days Vishuva Sankranti (Mesha Sankranti) of the month of Vaisakh or locally 'Bohag' (Bhaskar Calendar). The three primary types of Bihu are Rongali Bihu, Kongali Bihu, and Bhogali Bihu. Each festival historically recognizes a different agricultural cycle of the paddy crops. During Rangali Bihu there are 7 pinnacle phases: 'Chot', 'Raati', 'Goru', 'Manuh', 'Kutum', 'Mela' and 'Chera'.[93]

Maha Vishuba Sankranti edit

Pana Sankranti (ପଣା ସଂକ୍ରାନ୍ତି) also known as Maha Vishuba Sankranti marks the Odia new year in Odisha. Celebrations include various types of folk and classical dances, such as the Shiva-related Chhau dance.[94] On this day people hang pieces of Neem branches with leaves in front of their houses believed to have health benefits. They prepare a liquid mixture of jaggery, mango, pepper and other ingredients which is called Pana (ପଣା). An earthen pot with a small hole and a grass (କୁୁଶ) within the hole at the bottom is hung over the Tulasi (ତୁୁୁଳସୀ ଚଉରା). The pot is filled with water daily which acts as a drip to protect the sacred plant from the summer heat.[95]

Poyla Boishakh edit

 
Pohela Boishakh celebrations in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Poyla Baishakh is the first day of the Bengali calendar and is celebrated on 14 April every year in the states of West Bengal, Tripura, Jharkhand and Assam (Barak Valley) by Bengali Hindus.[96][49][97][98][99]

Some historians attribute the Bengali calendar to the 7th-century king Shashanka.[100][101] The term Bangabda (Bangla year) is found too in two Shiva temples many centuries older than Akbar era, suggesting that Bengali calendar existed before Akbar's time.[101] Various dynasties whose territories extended into Bengal, prior to the 13th-century, used the Vikram Samvat. Buddhist texts and inscriptions created in the Pala Empire era mention "Vikrama" and the months such as Ashvin, a system found in Sanskrit texts elsewhere in ancient and medieval Indian subcontinent.[102][103][104][105][106]

Puthandu edit

Puthandu, also known as Puthuvarusham or Tamil New Year, is the first day of the month Chithirai on the Tamil calendar.[88][107][108] On this day, Tamil people greet each other by saying "Puttāṇṭu vāḻttukkaḷ!" or "Iṉiya puttāṇṭu nalvāḻttukkaḷ!", which is equivalent to "Happy New Year".[109] The day is observed as a family time. Households clean up the house, prepare a tray with fruits, flowers and auspicious items, light up the family Puja altar and visit their local temples. People wear new clothes and youngsters go to elders to pay respects and seek their blessings, then the family sits down to a vegetarian feast.[110]

Jur Sital in Bihar edit

In the Mithila region of Bihar and Nepal, the new year is celebrated as Jur Sital.[111] It is traditional to use lotus leaves to serve sattu (powdered meal derived from grains of red gram and jau (Hordeum vulgare) and other ingredients) to the family members.[112]

Hindu Celebrations elsewhere edit

Pakistan edit

Vaisakhi is an important among Pakistani Hindus. In Undivided Punjab, the Hindu Shrine of Katas Raj was known for its Vaisakhi fair.[58] It was attended by around 10,000 pilgrims who were mostly Hindus.[59] Similarly, at the shrine of Bairagi Baba Ram Thaman, a Vaisakhi fair was held annually since 16th century CE which was attended by around 60,000 Hindu pilgrims and Bairagi saints from all over India used to throng the shrine.[60][61] The 1961 Muzaffargarh District Census Report claims that Vaisakhi is associated with bullock racing and is a common festivity among the cultivators.[113]

Nepal edit

 
Bisket Jatra, Bhaktapur, Nepal

Vaisakhi is celebrated as Nepalese New Year because it is the day which marks the Hindu Solar New Year as per Vikram Samvat, the Hindu Solar Calendar. Vaisakha is the first month in Nepalese Calendar. The idols of Goddess Thimi Kumari are carried out in palanquins and are taken around the city.[114][115]

United States edit

Vaisakhi is celebrated by Hindu community and Indian & Nepalese diaspora in United States of America. Every year Nepalese Hindus gather up in traditional outsfits like kurtis and Nepalese caps to observe the Hindu Solar New Year.[116] The Bengali Hindu Community also celebrates its new year 'Pohela Baisakh' on this day. A Baisakhi Mela or fair is also held where Bengali handicrafts sessions are held.[117] The Bay Area Malayalee Association holds Vishu celebration (Kerala New Year). Event includes Sadhya (Kerala-style feast) and cultural, cinematics and comedy programs, and end with a tea social.[118] Tamil Community also celebrates New Year on this day as Puthandu.

Sikhism edit

 
Sikh fresco art depicting the creation of the Khalsa in Anandpur 1699 on Vaisakhi
 
Birthplace of Khalsa

Vaisakhi (Punjabi: ਵੈਸਾਖੀ , vaisākhī, is also known as Baisākhī), is a very important day for Sikhs and one of the most colourful events in the Sikh calendar. It occurs during mid-April every year and traditionally in Punjab, the festival corresponds with the first harvesting of the crops for the year. Historically, the festival has been a very joyous occasion and a time for celebration. However, since 1699, it has marked the very significant religious event of the creation of the Khalsa Panth.[119]

Vaisakhi falls on the first day of the Vaisakh month and marks the sun's entry to the Mesha Rasi (Mesha Sankranti) marking the solar transition to Aries. The day is also described as a sacred festival for Sikhs in India as it marks the birth of the Khalsa.

The significance of Vaisakhi as a Sikh religious festival started after the execution of Guru Tegh Bahadur for refusing to convert to Islam under the orders of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. This triggered the ascension of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of Sikhism, who subsequently inaugurated the Khalsa on Vaisakhi of 1699.[22][23][24][19] The increased persecution of Sikhs by Mughal authorities followed a period of increasing strength of the Sikh movement in the Malwa region of Punjab during the period of Guru Tegh Bahadur, which would lead to his execution and the resulting foundation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh,[23] to defend religious freedoms.[120][121][122] This gave Vaisakhi the added dimension of being observed as a celebration of the formation of the Khalsa, and is also known as Khalsa Sirjana Divas[123] or Khalsa Sajna Divas.[124] The Birth of the Khalsa Panth was on 30 March 1699.[125]

Later, Ranjit Singh was proclaimed as Maharaja of the Sikh Empire on 12 April 1801 (to coincide with Vaisakhi), creating a unified political state, with Sahib Singh Bedi, a descendant of Guru Nanak, conducting the coronation.[25]

Vaisakhi is celebrated in much the same way as Gurpurab, or a Guru's birthday anniversary, with gurdwaras being decorated and attended by Sikhs who listen to kirtan and religious discourses there. Many Sikhs also choose to be inducted into the Khalsa order on this day. After the prayers, karah parshad is then served to the congregation, and the function ends with a langar, or community lunch. The festival is marked with a nagar kirtan street procession headed by a group of Panj Pyare representatives, and music, singing, and chanting scriptures are part of the celebration.

Punjab edit

 
Gatka

Fairs and melas are held in many places in Punjab to celebrate the formation of the Khalsa. According to Dogra and Dogra (2003), "an annual fair is held at Takht Kesgarh Sahib on Baisakhi day".[126] A procession is lead through the city of Anandpur to mark the occasion. Other important places where large gatherings take place are Harmandar Sahib, Amritsar and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo.[127] A special celebration takes place at Talwandi Sabo (where Guru Gobind Singh stayed for nine months and completed the recompilation of the Guru Granth Sahib),[128] in the Gurudwara at Anandpur Sahib the birthplace of the Khalsa, and at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.[129]

 
Vaisakhi mela

Vaisakhi is a harvest festival for people of Northern India.[130] Chander and Dogra (2003) state that in Punjab, Vaisakhi marks the ripening of the rabi harvest.[126] According to Dhillon (2015), in Punjab, this day is observed as a thanksgiving day by farmers whereby farmers pay their tribute, thanking God for the abundant harvest and also praying for future prosperity.[131] The harvest festival is celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs.[132] In the Punjab, historically, during the early 20th century, Vaisakhi was a sacred day for Hindus and Sikhs and a secular festival for all Muslims and Christians.[133] In modern times, sometimes Christians in Punjab participate in Baisakhi celebrations along with Hindus and Sikhs.[134] The harvest festival is also characterized by the folk dance, Bhangra which traditionally is a harvest dance.

Aawat pauni is a tradition associated with harvesting in the Punjab, which involves people getting together to harvest the wheat.[135]

Himachal Pradesh edit

A large number of Sikhs visit Paonta Sahib on the festival of Vaisakhi.[136] According to Sahi (1999), Paonta Sahib "was the abode of Guru Gobind Singh Ji for a couple of years."[137] Paanta Sahib Gurdwara is in Sirmaur district in Himachal Pradesh. The site is located near the river Yamuna. The tricentenary celebrations to mark the birth of the Khalsa were started from Paanta Sahib Gurdwara in 1999.[138]

Jammu edit

 
Nangali Sahib

Gurdwara Dera Nangali Sahib in Jammu was established in 1803. The Gurdwara is situated in the Poonch district of Jammu. An annual gathering takes place at the gurdwara on the on Baisakhi when many people participate in the day-long function of Baisakhi.[139] Dera Nangali Sahib is known as a centre for Sikhism in Jammu.[140][141] The other important gurdwara is the Dera Baba Banda which is dedicated to Banda Bahadur. The gurdwara is located near Reasi.[142] Baisakhi celebrations take place at this Dera.[143]

Kashmir edit

 
Gurdwara Chatti Patshahi

Sikhs in Kashmir celebrate Vaisakhi as a religious festival to mark the foundation of the Khalsa. Unlike in the North Indian plains where Vaisalhi is also associated with harvesting, Sikhs in Kashmir mark the day when Guru Gobind Singh baptised the Panj Pyare. Bajan Keertans are held in all gurdwaras in Kashmir. However, the main celebration takes place at Chatti Pathshahi Gurdwara in Rainawari. Sikhs will visit friends and family in Vaisakhi. People will wear special clothes and prepare special food to mark the festival. Sikhs will also visit the gardens and markets. The mode of celebration is believed to be different to the way the festival is celebrated elsewhere.[144]

Nihang edit

 
Gatka by Nihangs

The Nihang (Punjabi: ਨਿਹੰਗ) or Akali (lit. "the immortals") is an armed Sikh warrior order originating in the Indian subcontinent.[145] Nihang are believed to have originated either from Fateh Singh and the attire he wore[146] or from the "Akali Dal" (lit. Army of the Immortal) started by Guru Hargobind.[147] Early Sikh military history was dominated by the Nihang, known for their victories where they were heavily outnumbered. Traditionally known for their bravery and ruthlessness in the battlefield, the Nihang once formed the irregular guerrilla squads of the armed forces of the Sikh Empire, the Sikh Khalsa Army.

Nihangs mark Vaisakhi in their own unique manner. They will engage in martial arts and participate in Gatkas. They will also exhibit displays of horsemanship. According to Singh and Fenech (2014), Nihangs will move to the city of Amritsar on Vaisakhi day.[148]

Sikh celebrations outside India edit

Celebration around the world
 
A depiction of Guru Gobind Singh initiating the first five members of the Khalsa
 
The Panj Pyare at Vaisakhi 2007 Wolverhampton, UK
 
Vaisakhi at Trafalgar Square, London
 
Vaisakhi 2012 at Trafalgar Square, London
 
Vaisakhi 2012 at Trafalgar Square, London
 
Vaisakhi celebrations in Birmingham
 
The Panj Pyare at Vaisakhi 2007 Wolverhampton, UK
 
Jalebiyan being served at Vaisakhi Day, 11 April 2009, Vancouver Canada
 
2009 Vancouver Sikh Vaisakhi parade
 
Sikh Motorcycle Club at Vaisakhi 2007 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
 
Sikh Motorcycle Club at Vaisakhi 2007 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
 
2012 Vaisakhi festival in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
 
A band performs at Vaisakhi day celebrations in Kuala Lumpur (2013)
 
Vaisakhi 2017, Punjabi Market, Vancouver

Pakistan edit

Pakistan has many sites that are of historic importance to the Sikh faith, such as the birthplace of Guru Nanak. These sites attract pilgrims from India and abroad every year on Vaisakhi.[149][150] Pakistan used to have many more Sikhs, but a vast majority moved to India during the 1947 India-Pakistan partition. Contemporary Pakistan has about 20,000 Sikhs in a total population of about 200 million Pakistanis, or about 0.01%.[151] These Sikhs, and thousands more who arrive from other parts of the world for pilgrimage, observe Vaisakhi in Western Punjab (Pakistan) with festivities centered on the Panja Sahib complex in Hasan Abdal, Gurudwaras in Nankana Sahib, and in various historical sites in Lahore.[152][note 1]

According to Aziz-ud-din Ahmed, Lahore used to have Baisakhi Mela after the harvesting of the wheat crop in April. However, adds Ahmed, the city started losing its cultural vibrancy in 1970s after Zia-ul-Haq came to power, and in recent years "the Pakistan Muslim League (N) government in Punjab banned kite flying through an official edict more under the pressure of those who want a puritanical version of Islam to be practiced in the name of religion than anything else".[156] Unlike the Indian state of Punjab that recognizes the Vaisakhi Sikh festival as an official holiday,[157] the festival is not an official holiday in Punjab or Sindh provinces of Pakistan as Sikhs constitute a very small number in terms of population.[158][159]

Canada edit

British Columbia edit

In the Province of British Columbia, large, local Sikh communities in the cities of Vancouver, Abbotsford, and Surrey hold their annual Vaisakhi celebrations in April,[160] which include two Nagar Kirtan (parades).

In Vancouver, the parade was first held in 1979 and is the largest annual single-day festival in the city.[161] The parade starts at Ross Street Temple[162] and makes its way through the traditional Punjabi Market in South Vancouver,[163] attracting up to 300,000 people.[161]

One week later, the festival in Surrey is one of the largest such celebrations outside of India, having attracted over 200,000 people in 2014,[164] over 350,000 in 2015, and approached 400,000 in 2016. The 2017 attendance in Surrey reportedly topped 400,000, causing organizers to consider future distribution of the festival over several days and local cities, particularly in areas of economic disadvantage which would benefit from the generous charitable efforts seen during Vaisakhi celebrations.[165][166] Record attendance was again experienced in April 2018 in the 20th annual Surrey Vaisakhi parade, with the RCMP officially estimating the crowd at over half a million people in a city with a 2016 census population of 517,887.[167] Starting at the Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar Temple (12885 85th Avenue in Surrey), the parade features a variety of floats, community groups, free food, live music and dancers and performers, and travels along 124th Street, turns left onto 75th Avenue, continues on 76th Avenue, onto 128th Street, then back to the Temple.[168]

Kelowna's annual Vaisakhi parade is held a week after Surrey's parade each year and begins and ends at the Sikh Temple on Rutland Road.[169]

Victoria's all-day Vaisakhi celebration features a parade that begins and ends at Gurdwara Singh Sabha, 470 Cecelia Road. The 2018 celebrations on 29 April would be the first held in Victoria in over 100 years.[170]

Ontario edit

In the Province of Ontario, the Toronto Vaisakhi Parade is held in April, starting at the Canadian National Exhibition grounds and traveling east to Toronto City Hall, finishing almost three hours later. Following the parade, dignitaries address the gathering until late afternoon.[171]

In the city of Brampton, the Gurudwara Sikh Sangat temple and Gobind Sarvar Gurmat School hold Vaisakhi cultural events such as yoga, pagh (turban) tying, storytelling, and food fairs.[172]

In the city of Malton, a three-hour Nagar Kirtan parade winds from Morning Star, Goreway, Derry Rd, & Airport Rd to Malton Gurdwara Sahib.

Prairies edit

In the Province of Alberta, the Edmonton Vaisakhi parade is held in May and travels between the Gurdwara Singh Sabha (4504 Millwoods Road S) & Gurdwara Millwoods (2606 Millwoods Road E) temples.[173]

In the Province of Saskatchewan, the Saskatoon Vaisakhi parade is held in May, starting and ending at the Gurudwara Sahib Temple at 331 Lowe Road.[174]

Atlantic edit

In the Province of Nova Scotia, the Halifax-based Maritime Sikh Society holds Vaisakhi celebrations in April featuring Shabad Kirtan performed by professional ragis (musicians).[175]

United Kingdom edit

The United Kingdom has a large Sikh community originating from the Indian sub-continent, East Africa[176] and Afghanistan. The largest concentrations of Sikhs in the UK are to be found in the West Midlands (especially Birmingham and Wolverhampton) and London.[177] The Southall Nagar Kirtan is held on a Sunday a week or two before Vaisakhi. The Birmingham Nagar Kirtan is held in late April in association with Birmingham City Council,[178] and is an annual event attracting thousands of people which commences with two separate nagar kirtans setting off from gurdwaras in the city and culminating in the Vaisakhi Mela at Handsworth Park.[179]

United States edit

Amongst Sikh populations in the United States, there is usually a parade commemorating the Vaisakhi celebration. In Manhattan, New York City[180] people come out to do "Seva" (selfless service) such as giving out free food, and completing any other labor that needs to be done. In Los Angeles, California, the local Sikh community consisting of many gurdwaras[181] holds a full day Kirtan (spiritual music) program followed by a parade.

Malaysia edit

The Sikh community, a subgroup of the Malaysian Indian ethnic minority race, is an ethnoreligious minority in Malaysia, which is why Vaisakhi is not a public holiday. However, in line with the government's efforts to promote integration among the country's different ethnic and religious groups, the prime minister, Najib Razak has announced that beginning 2013, all government servants from the Sikh Malaysian Indian community will be given a day off on Vaisakhi Day.[182] Vaisakhi 'open houses' are also held across the country during the day of the festival, or the closest weekend to it.

Buddhism edit

The new year falls on or about the same day every year for many Buddhist communities in parts of South and Southeast Asia. This is likely an influence of their shared culture in the 1st millennium CE.[2] Some examples include:

As a harvest festival edit

Vaisakhi is a harvest festival for people of Northern India.[130] Chander and Dogra (2003) state that in Punjab, Vaisakhi marks the ripening of the rabi harvest.[126] Vaisakhi, the Hindu Solar new year, also marks the Nepalese, Punjabi and Bengali New year.[183] Fairs or Melas (fair) are held in many parts of North India to mark the new year and the harvesting season. Vaisakhi fairs take place in various places, including Jammu City, Kathua, Udhampur, Reasi and Samba,[184] in the Pinjore complex near Chandigarh,[185] in Himachal Pradesh cities of Rewalsar, Shimla, Mandi and Prashar Lakes. According to Ann Louise Wood, Vaisakhi is a festival that is celebrated by the Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims of Punjab.[186]

See also edit

Notes edit

  1. ^ On 8 April 2016, Punjabi Parchar at Alhamra (Lahore) organised a show called Visakhi mela, where the speakers pledged to "continue our struggle to keep the Punjabi culture alive" in Pakistan through events such as Visakhi Mela.[153] Elsewhere Besakhi fairs or melas are held in various places including Eminabad[154] and Dera Ghazi Khan.[155]

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vaisakhi, also, indian, year, days, also, pronounced, baisakhi, marks, first, month, vaisakh, traditionally, celebrated, annually, april, sometimes, april, seen, spring, harvest, celebration, primarily, punjab, northern, india, further, other, indian, cultures. See also Indian New Year s days Vaisakhi also pronounced Baisakhi 9 marks the first day of the month of Vaisakh and is traditionally celebrated annually on 13 April and sometimes 14 April 10 3 11 It is seen as a spring harvest celebration primarily in Punjab and Northern India 12 Further other Indian cultures and diaspora celebrate this festival too 13 14 15 2 Whilst it is culturally significant as a festival of harvest in many parts of India Vaisakhi is also the date for the Indian Solar New Year 16 17 18 VaisakhiSikh procession in Birmingham England Official nameVaisakhiAlso calledBaisakhi Vaisakha Jayanti VisakhiObserved byHindus Sikhs Punjabi Muslims 2 TypeReligious and harvest festival 1 SignificanceSolar new year 3 4 5 6 harvest festival Initiation of Dogra Shastri Calendar Birth of the Khalsa CelebrationsFairs processions and temple decorationsObservancesReligious gatherings and practicesBegins1 Vaisakh 13 April Ends2 Vaisakh 14 April Date13 April 1 2023 dateFriday 14 April 7 Related toSouth and Southeast Asian solar New YearFor Sikhs in addition to its significance as the harvest festival 4 during which Sikhs hold kirtans visit local gurdwaras community fairs hold nagar kirtan processions raise the Nishan Sahib flag and gather to socialize and share festive foods 3 19 20 Vaisakhi observes major events in the history of Sikhism and the Indian subcontinent that happened in the Punjab region 19 21 Vaisakhi as a major Sikh festival marks the birth of the Khalsa order by Guru Gobind Singh the tenth Guru of Sikhism on 13 April 1699 22 23 24 Later Ranjit Singh was proclaimed as Maharaja of the Sikh Empire on 12 April 1801 to coincide with Vaisakhi creating a unified political state 25 Vaisakhi was also the day when Bengal Army officer Reginald Dyer orders his troops to shoot into a protesting crowd an event which would come to be known the Jallianwala Bagh massacre the massacre proved influential to the history of the Indian independence movement 19 This holiday is observed by Hindus and is known by various regional names in other parts of India For many Hindu communities the festival is an occasion to ritually bathe in sacred rivers such as Ganges Jhelum and Kaveri visit temples meet friends take part in other festivities and perform a mandatory daan charity especially of hand fans water pitchers and seasonal fruits Community fairs are held at Hindu pilgrimage sites In many areas processions of temple deities are taken out The holiday also marks the worship and propitiation of various deities such as Durga in Himachal Pradesh Surya in Bihar and Vishnu in southern India 26 Although Vaisakhi began as a grain harvest festival for Hindus and its observance predates the creation of Sikhism 27 28 it eventually gained historical association with the Sikhs following the inauguration of the Khalsa 37 Contents 1 Date 2 Etymology and pronunciation 3 Hinduism 3 1 Haridwar Uttarakhand 3 2 Punjab 3 3 Jammu 3 4 Himachal Pradesh 3 5 Haryana 3 6 Uttar Pradesh 3 7 Other Regional Hindu Solar New Years 3 7 1 Vishu 3 7 2 Bohag Bihu 3 7 3 Maha Vishuba Sankranti 3 7 4 Poyla Boishakh 3 7 5 Puthandu 3 7 6 Jur Sital in Bihar 4 Hindu Celebrations elsewhere 4 1 Pakistan 4 2 Nepal 4 3 United States 5 Sikhism 5 1 Punjab 5 2 Himachal Pradesh 5 3 Jammu 5 4 Kashmir 5 5 Nihang 6 Sikh celebrations outside India 6 1 Pakistan 6 2 Canada 6 2 1 British Columbia 6 2 2 Ontario 6 2 3 Prairies 6 2 4 Atlantic 6 3 United Kingdom 6 4 United States 6 5 Malaysia 7 Buddhism 8 As a harvest festival 9 See also 10 Notes 11 ReferencesDate editVaisakhi is observed on the 13 or 14 April every year in the 21st century However in 1801 AD it fell on 11 April 38 This is because the date of Vaisakhi and other Sankrantis keeps changing slowly over years Vaisakhi would fall on 29 April in Year 2999 39 The festival coincides with other new year festivals celebrated on the first day of Vaisakh in other regions of the Indian Subcontinent such as Puthandu Pohela Boishakh Bohag Bihu and Vishu 40 2 Etymology and pronunciation editThe word Vaisakhi or Baisakhi is an Apabhraṃsa form evolved from the word Vaishakhi व श ख derived from the name of the Indian month of Vaishakha 41 There is no distinction between sounds sha श amp sa स 42 and between va व amp ba ब in Prakrit amp Apbhramsa 43 Hence the name Vaisakhi or Baisakhi In tonal languages like Bengali it is pronounced as Boishakhi 44 Vaisakhi which is observed on Sankranti of Vaisakh Vaishakh month literally means related to Vaisakh month which in turn is derived from the name of a Nakshatra known as Vishakha 45 In Punjab region the word Vaisakhi is common but in the Dogra regions and the Doabi and Malwai dialects of Punjab speakers often substitute a B for a V so it is known as Baisakhi or Basakhi also people in Jammu call it Basoa 46 The spelling used depends on the region of the speaker Hinduism edit nbsp Bathing in rivers is a Vaisakhi traditionFor some Hindus the first day of Vaisakh marks the traditional solar new year 47 48 49 in Assam Bengal Bihar Himachal Pradesh Haryana Kerala Odisha Punjab 50 Tamil Nadu Uttar Pradesh Uttrakhand and other parts of India 2 49 However this is not the universal new year for all Hindus For some such as those in and near Gujarat the new year festivities coincide with the five day Diwali festival 2 For others the new year falls on Cheti Chand Gudi Padwa and Ugadi which falls a few weeks earlier 2 51 The harvest is complete and crops ready to sell representing a time of plenty for the farmers Fairs and special thanksgiving pujas prayers are common in the Hindu tradition 52 It is available in the Vanis of the saints that in Satlok the Vaisakhi like atmosphere always remains there It is regionally known by many names among the Hindus though the festivities and its significance is similar It is celebrated by Hindus bathing in sacred rivers as they believe that river goddess Ganges descended to earth on Vaisakhi from Svarga 52 53 Some rivers considered particularly sacred include the Ganges Jhelum and Kaveri Hindus visit temples meet friends and party over festive foods 35 Haridwar Uttarakhand edit Vaisakhi is the day when Hindus believe River Goddess Ganga descended on earth from heaven 54 55 One of the largest Vaisakhi fair in India is held at Haridwar which is an important Hindu pilgrimage Around 50 lakhs 5 million pligrims throng Brahm Kund in Haridwar to take a dip in Ganga river on this festival 56 57 Punjab edit nbsp Baba Ram Thaman ShrineIn Punjab the Hindu Shrine of Katas Raj was known for its Vaisakhi fair 58 It was attended by around 10 000 pilgrims who were mostly Hindus 59 Similarly at the shrine of Bairagi Baba Ram Thaman a Vaisakhi fair was held annually since 16th century CE which was attended by around 60 000 pilgrims and Bairagi saints from all over India used to throng the shrine 60 61 The Vaisakhi fair is at Thakurdwara of Bhagwan Narainji at Pandori Mahatan village in Gurdaspur district of Punjab where the fair lasts for three days from 1st Vaisakha to 3rd Vaisakha 62 The celebrations start in form of procession on morning of 1st Vaisakha carrying Mahant in a palanquin by Brahmacharis and devotees After that Navgraha Puja is held and charities in money grains and cows are done 63 At evening Sankirtan is held in which Mahant delivers religious discourses and concludes it by distributing prasad of Patashas candy drops Pilgrims also take ritual bathings at sacred tank in the shrine 62 64 Jammu edit nbsp Historical Basakhi Mela of Dogras 1950 in Harihar Mahabilkeshwar mahadev Balor Billawar Durgaradesa Vaisakhi is an important festival among Dogra Hindus of Jammu region On this day people get up early in the morning throng the rivers canals and ponds and take a ritual dip every year on this occasion In Dogra households a Puja is performed afterwards and part of food crop is offered to the deities New fruit of the year is enjoyed on this day 65 A Ritual Bath at Tawi river during Vaisakhi is common in Jammu 66 Vaisakhi is celebrated at Udhampur on the bank of Devika river where for three days devotees enjoy the folk songs At Sudhmahadev this festival is celebrated with great pomp and show where folk singers come down and a competition of folk songs is held Vendors generally install their shops and stalls of eatables 67 Many people go to the Nagbani temple to witness the grand New Year celebration 68 Vaisakhi is also considered harvest festival and considered auspicious especially for marriages Celebrations of Vaisakhi also include Dogri Bhangra 69 According to Ganhar 1975 70 Bhangra dances are a special feature of Baisakhi celebrations but bhangra is an importation from the Punjab and is more secular than religious The occasion is marked by numerous fairs and people come by the thousands to celebrate Vaisakhi For example Airwan in Kathua is known for Vaisakhi fair attended by 10 000 people as per Census 1961 71 Every year on Baisakhi festival around 15 000 pilgrims pay their obeisance at 700 tear old temple of Subar Nag Devta temple in Bhaderwah 72 Other places where Vaisakhi fairs are held are Doda Bridge and Ramban 73 Himachal Pradesh edit In Himachal Pradesh Vaisakhi is an important festival of Hindus 74 People get up early in the morning and have a ritual bath Two earthen lamps are lighted on this day one of Sangiya of oil and other one is Jyot of Ghee These are kept in a large saucer along with water pot blades of evergreen turf Kusha Incense Sandal Vermillion and Dakshina money With these things worship of household deities is performed Alms are given in form of rice and pulses with small coins which are placed near Deity This is called Nasrawan and is commonly to family priest 75 Fried cakes of black gram which are prepared a day before are distributed to neighbours after Puja is completed 76 Special dishes are prepared on this day White washing is performed on this day and floors are plastered This is called Prau lagana 77 In the evening people enjoy fairs which are organised for three days Haryana edit Vaisakhi is celebrated with religious fervour in Yamunanagar and Kurukshetra 78 In Kurukshetra district Vaisakhi fair is held at Baan Ganga Tirtha 79 which is associated with Arjuna of Mahabharata There is a Vaisakhi tradition of ritual bath at the sacred tank of Baan Ganga Tirtha in Village Dayalpur of Kurukshetra A fair is held annually on Vaisakhi at this Hindu pilgrimage 80 Besides Haryana government organizes a Vaisakhi festival in Pinjore Garden to commemorate this religious and cultural festival 81 Uttar Pradesh edit Vaisakhi or Vaisakhi Sankranti is celebrated on first day of Vaisakha as per Hindu Solar Calendar This day is also known as Sattua or Satwahi 82 as Sattu is donated and consumed on this day 83 The common rites during this festival is bath in a river or pond and to eat Sattu and Gur Jaggery 84 Other Regional Hindu Solar New Years editVaisakhi coincides with the first day of the solar cycle year that is the solar New Year or Mesha Sankranti which is also related to other regional new years such as Vishu and Puthandu celebrated in Kerala and Tamil Nadu a day after Vaisakhi The festivities include fireworks shopping for new clothes and interesting displays called Vishu Kani Hindus make arrangements of flowers grains fruits which friends and family visit to admire as lucky sight Vishukkani Giving gifts to friends and loved ones as well as alms to the needy are a tradition of Kerala Hindus on this festive day 35 Vaisakhi is also related to Bohag Rongali Bihu in Assam and as Pohela Boishakh in Bengal but typically one or two days after Vaisakhi 85 nbsp Some Indians mark their traditional new year with fireworksThe following is a list of new year festivals 2 49 86 Bohag Bihu in Assam India Pohela Boishakh in West Bengal India and Bangladesh Pana Sankranti Maha Vishuba Sankranti in Odisha India Jur Sital in Mithila Bihar India and parts of Nepal Bwisagu in Bodoland region of Assam India Bisu in Tulu Nadu region of Karnataka India Puthandu in Tamil Nadu India and parts of Sri Lanka Vishu in Kerala IndiaVishu edit nbsp A Vishukkani tray before Krishna Vishnu a Kerala Hindu traditionVishu is a Hindu festival celebrated on the same day as Vaisakhi in the Indian state of Kerala and falls on the first day of Malayali month called Medam 87 88 The festival is notable for its solemnity and the general lack of pomp and show that characterize other Hindu festivals of Kerala such as Onam 87 89 The festival is marked by family time preparing colorful auspicious items and viewing these as the first thing on the Vishu day In particular Malayali Hindus seek to view the golden blossoms of the Indian laburnum Kani Konna money or silver items Vishukkaineetam and rice 87 89 The day also attracts firework play by children 87 90 wearing new clothes Puthukodi and the eating a special meal called Sadya which is a mix of salty sweet sour and bitter items 91 The Vishu arrangement typically includes an image of Vishnu typically as Krishna People also visit temples on the day 92 Bohag Bihu edit nbsp Celebrating Bohag Bihu in Assam nbsp Festive Bihu with Dhuliya is an Assamese Hindu tradition on this day Bohag Bihu or Rangali Bihu marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year on 13 April It is celebrated for seven days Vishuva Sankranti Mesha Sankranti of the month of Vaisakh or locally Bohag Bhaskar Calendar The three primary types of Bihu are Rongali Bihu Kongali Bihu and Bhogali Bihu Each festival historically recognizes a different agricultural cycle of the paddy crops During Rangali Bihu there are 7 pinnacle phases Chot Raati Goru Manuh Kutum Mela and Chera 93 Maha Vishuba Sankranti edit Pana Sankranti ପଣ ସ କ ର ନ ତ also known as Maha Vishuba Sankranti marks the Odia new year in Odisha Celebrations include various types of folk and classical dances such as the Shiva related Chhau dance 94 On this day people hang pieces of Neem branches with leaves in front of their houses believed to have health benefits They prepare a liquid mixture of jaggery mango pepper and other ingredients which is called Pana ପଣ An earthen pot with a small hole and a grass କ ଶ within the hole at the bottom is hung over the Tulasi ତ ଳସ ଚଉର The pot is filled with water daily which acts as a drip to protect the sacred plant from the summer heat 95 Poyla Boishakh edit Main article Pohela Boishakh nbsp Pohela Boishakh celebrations in Dhaka Bangladesh Poyla Baishakh is the first day of the Bengali calendar and is celebrated on 14 April every year in the states of West Bengal Tripura Jharkhand and Assam Barak Valley by Bengali Hindus 96 49 97 98 99 Some historians attribute the Bengali calendar to the 7th century king Shashanka 100 101 The term Bangabda Bangla year is found too in two Shiva temples many centuries older than Akbar era suggesting that Bengali calendar existed before Akbar s time 101 Various dynasties whose territories extended into Bengal prior to the 13th century used the Vikram Samvat Buddhist texts and inscriptions created in the Pala Empire era mention Vikrama and the months such as Ashvin a system found in Sanskrit texts elsewhere in ancient and medieval Indian subcontinent 102 103 104 105 106 Puthandu edit Puthandu also known as Puthuvarusham or Tamil New Year is the first day of the month Chithirai on the Tamil calendar 88 107 108 On this day Tamil people greet each other by saying Puttaṇṭu vaḻttukkaḷ or Iṉiya puttaṇṭu nalvaḻttukkaḷ which is equivalent to Happy New Year 109 The day is observed as a family time Households clean up the house prepare a tray with fruits flowers and auspicious items light up the family Puja altar and visit their local temples People wear new clothes and youngsters go to elders to pay respects and seek their blessings then the family sits down to a vegetarian feast 110 Jur Sital in Bihar edit Main article Jur Sital In the Mithila region of Bihar and Nepal the new year is celebrated as Jur Sital 111 It is traditional to use lotus leaves to serve sattu powdered meal derived from grains of red gram and jau Hordeum vulgare and other ingredients to the family members 112 Hindu Celebrations elsewhere editPakistan edit Vaisakhi is an important among Pakistani Hindus In Undivided Punjab the Hindu Shrine of Katas Raj was known for its Vaisakhi fair 58 It was attended by around 10 000 pilgrims who were mostly Hindus 59 Similarly at the shrine of Bairagi Baba Ram Thaman a Vaisakhi fair was held annually since 16th century CE which was attended by around 60 000 Hindu pilgrims and Bairagi saints from all over India used to throng the shrine 60 61 The 1961 Muzaffargarh District Census Report claims that Vaisakhi is associated with bullock racing and is a common festivity among the cultivators 113 Nepal edit nbsp Bisket Jatra Bhaktapur NepalVaisakhi is celebrated as Nepalese New Year because it is the day which marks the Hindu Solar New Year as per Vikram Samvat the Hindu Solar Calendar Vaisakha is the first month in Nepalese Calendar The idols of Goddess Thimi Kumari are carried out in palanquins and are taken around the city 114 115 United States edit Vaisakhi is celebrated by Hindu community and Indian amp Nepalese diaspora in United States of America Every year Nepalese Hindus gather up in traditional outsfits like kurtis and Nepalese caps to observe the Hindu Solar New Year 116 The Bengali Hindu Community also celebrates its new year Pohela Baisakh on this day A Baisakhi Mela or fair is also held where Bengali handicrafts sessions are held 117 The Bay Area Malayalee Association holds Vishu celebration Kerala New Year Event includes Sadhya Kerala style feast and cultural cinematics and comedy programs and end with a tea social 118 Tamil Community also celebrates New Year on this day as Puthandu Sikhism edit nbsp Sikh fresco art depicting the creation of the Khalsa in Anandpur 1699 on Vaisakhi nbsp Birthplace of KhalsaVaisakhi Punjabi ਵ ਸ ਖ vaisakhi is also known as Baisakhi is a very important day for Sikhs and one of the most colourful events in the Sikh calendar It occurs during mid April every year and traditionally in Punjab the festival corresponds with the first harvesting of the crops for the year Historically the festival has been a very joyous occasion and a time for celebration However since 1699 it has marked the very significant religious event of the creation of the Khalsa Panth 119 Vaisakhi falls on the first day of the Vaisakh month and marks the sun s entry to the Mesha Rasi Mesha Sankranti marking the solar transition to Aries The day is also described as a sacred festival for Sikhs in India as it marks the birth of the Khalsa The significance of Vaisakhi as a Sikh religious festival started after the execution of Guru Tegh Bahadur for refusing to convert to Islam under the orders of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb This triggered the ascension of Guru Gobind Singh the tenth Guru of Sikhism who subsequently inaugurated the Khalsa on Vaisakhi of 1699 22 23 24 19 The increased persecution of Sikhs by Mughal authorities followed a period of increasing strength of the Sikh movement in the Malwa region of Punjab during the period of Guru Tegh Bahadur which would lead to his execution and the resulting foundation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh 23 to defend religious freedoms 120 121 122 This gave Vaisakhi the added dimension of being observed as a celebration of the formation of the Khalsa and is also known as Khalsa Sirjana Divas 123 or Khalsa Sajna Divas 124 The Birth of the Khalsa Panth was on 30 March 1699 125 Later Ranjit Singh was proclaimed as Maharaja of the Sikh Empire on 12 April 1801 to coincide with Vaisakhi creating a unified political state with Sahib Singh Bedi a descendant of Guru Nanak conducting the coronation 25 Vaisakhi is celebrated in much the same way as Gurpurab or a Guru s birthday anniversary with gurdwaras being decorated and attended by Sikhs who listen to kirtan and religious discourses there Many Sikhs also choose to be inducted into the Khalsa order on this day After the prayers karah parshad is then served to the congregation and the function ends with a langar or community lunch The festival is marked with a nagar kirtan street procession headed by a group of Panj Pyare representatives and music singing and chanting scriptures are part of the celebration Punjab edit nbsp GatkaFairs and melas are held in many places in Punjab to celebrate the formation of the Khalsa According to Dogra and Dogra 2003 an annual fair is held at Takht Kesgarh Sahib on Baisakhi day 126 A procession is lead through the city of Anandpur to mark the occasion Other important places where large gatherings take place are Harmandar Sahib Amritsar and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Talwandi Sabo 127 A special celebration takes place at Talwandi Sabo where Guru Gobind Singh stayed for nine months and completed the recompilation of the Guru Granth Sahib 128 in the Gurudwara at Anandpur Sahib the birthplace of the Khalsa and at the Golden Temple in Amritsar 129 nbsp Vaisakhi melaVaisakhi is a harvest festival for people of Northern India 130 Chander and Dogra 2003 state that in Punjab Vaisakhi marks the ripening of the rabi harvest 126 According to Dhillon 2015 in Punjab this day is observed as a thanksgiving day by farmers whereby farmers pay their tribute thanking God for the abundant harvest and also praying for future prosperity 131 The harvest festival is celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs 132 In the Punjab historically during the early 20th century Vaisakhi was a sacred day for Hindus and Sikhs and a secular festival for all Muslims and Christians 133 In modern times sometimes Christians in Punjab participate in Baisakhi celebrations along with Hindus and Sikhs 134 The harvest festival is also characterized by the folk dance Bhangra which traditionally is a harvest dance Aawat pauni is a tradition associated with harvesting in the Punjab which involves people getting together to harvest the wheat 135 Himachal Pradesh edit A large number of Sikhs visit Paonta Sahib on the festival of Vaisakhi 136 According to Sahi 1999 Paonta Sahib was the abode of Guru Gobind Singh Ji for a couple of years 137 Paanta Sahib Gurdwara is in Sirmaur district in Himachal Pradesh The site is located near the river Yamuna The tricentenary celebrations to mark the birth of the Khalsa were started from Paanta Sahib Gurdwara in 1999 138 Jammu edit nbsp Nangali SahibGurdwara Dera Nangali Sahib in Jammu was established in 1803 The Gurdwara is situated in the Poonch district of Jammu An annual gathering takes place at the gurdwara on the on Baisakhi when many people participate in the day long function of Baisakhi 139 Dera Nangali Sahib is known as a centre for Sikhism in Jammu 140 141 The other important gurdwara is the Dera Baba Banda which is dedicated to Banda Bahadur The gurdwara is located near Reasi 142 Baisakhi celebrations take place at this Dera 143 Kashmir edit nbsp Gurdwara Chatti PatshahiSikhs in Kashmir celebrate Vaisakhi as a religious festival to mark the foundation of the Khalsa Unlike in the North Indian plains where Vaisalhi is also associated with harvesting Sikhs in Kashmir mark the day when Guru Gobind Singh baptised the Panj Pyare Bajan Keertans are held in all gurdwaras in Kashmir However the main celebration takes place at Chatti Pathshahi Gurdwara in Rainawari Sikhs will visit friends and family in Vaisakhi People will wear special clothes and prepare special food to mark the festival Sikhs will also visit the gardens and markets The mode of celebration is believed to be different to the way the festival is celebrated elsewhere 144 Nihang edit nbsp Gatka by NihangsThe Nihang Punjabi ਨ ਹ ਗ or Akali lit the immortals is an armed Sikh warrior order originating in the Indian subcontinent 145 Nihang are believed to have originated either from Fateh Singh and the attire he wore 146 or from the Akali Dal lit Army of the Immortal started by Guru Hargobind 147 Early Sikh military history was dominated by the Nihang known for their victories where they were heavily outnumbered Traditionally known for their bravery and ruthlessness in the battlefield the Nihang once formed the irregular guerrilla squads of the armed forces of the Sikh Empire the Sikh Khalsa Army Nihangs mark Vaisakhi in their own unique manner They will engage in martial arts and participate in Gatkas They will also exhibit displays of horsemanship According to Singh and Fenech 2014 Nihangs will move to the city of Amritsar on Vaisakhi day 148 Sikh celebrations outside India editCelebration around the world nbsp A depiction of Guru Gobind Singh initiating the first five members of the Khalsa nbsp The Panj Pyare at Vaisakhi 2007 Wolverhampton UK nbsp Vaisakhi at Trafalgar Square London nbsp Vaisakhi 2012 at Trafalgar Square London nbsp Vaisakhi 2012 at Trafalgar Square London nbsp Vaisakhi celebrations in Birmingham nbsp The Panj Pyare at Vaisakhi 2007 Wolverhampton UK nbsp Jalebiyan being served at Vaisakhi Day 11 April 2009 Vancouver Canada nbsp 2009 Vancouver Sikh Vaisakhi parade nbsp Sikh Motorcycle Club at Vaisakhi 2007 Vancouver British Columbia Canada nbsp Sikh Motorcycle Club at Vaisakhi 2007 Vancouver British Columbia Canada nbsp 2012 Vaisakhi festival in Surrey British Columbia Canada nbsp A band performs at Vaisakhi day celebrations in Kuala Lumpur 2013 nbsp Vaisakhi 2017 Punjabi Market Vancouver Pakistan edit Pakistan has many sites that are of historic importance to the Sikh faith such as the birthplace of Guru Nanak These sites attract pilgrims from India and abroad every year on Vaisakhi 149 150 Pakistan used to have many more Sikhs but a vast majority moved to India during the 1947 India Pakistan partition Contemporary Pakistan has about 20 000 Sikhs in a total population of about 200 million Pakistanis or about 0 01 151 These Sikhs and thousands more who arrive from other parts of the world for pilgrimage observe Vaisakhi in Western Punjab Pakistan with festivities centered on the Panja Sahib complex in Hasan Abdal Gurudwaras in Nankana Sahib and in various historical sites in Lahore 152 note 1 According to Aziz ud din Ahmed Lahore used to have Baisakhi Mela after the harvesting of the wheat crop in April However adds Ahmed the city started losing its cultural vibrancy in 1970s after Zia ul Haq came to power and in recent years the Pakistan Muslim League N government in Punjab banned kite flying through an official edict more under the pressure of those who want a puritanical version of Islam to be practiced in the name of religion than anything else 156 Unlike the Indian state of Punjab that recognizes the Vaisakhi Sikh festival as an official holiday 157 the festival is not an official holiday in Punjab or Sindh provinces of Pakistan as Sikhs constitute a very small number in terms of population 158 159 Canada edit British Columbia edit In the Province of British Columbia large local Sikh communities in the cities of Vancouver Abbotsford and Surrey hold their annual Vaisakhi celebrations in April 160 which include two Nagar Kirtan parades In Vancouver the parade was first held in 1979 and is the largest annual single day festival in the city 161 The parade starts at Ross Street Temple 162 and makes its way through the traditional Punjabi Market in South Vancouver 163 attracting up to 300 000 people 161 One week later the festival in Surrey is one of the largest such celebrations outside of India having attracted over 200 000 people in 2014 164 over 350 000 in 2015 and approached 400 000 in 2016 The 2017 attendance in Surrey reportedly topped 400 000 causing organizers to consider future distribution of the festival over several days and local cities particularly in areas of economic disadvantage which would benefit from the generous charitable efforts seen during Vaisakhi celebrations 165 166 Record attendance was again experienced in April 2018 in the 20th annual Surrey Vaisakhi parade with the RCMP officially estimating the crowd at over half a million people in a city with a 2016 census population of 517 887 167 Starting at the Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar Temple 12885 85th Avenue in Surrey the parade features a variety of floats community groups free food live music and dancers and performers and travels along 124th Street turns left onto 75th Avenue continues on 76th Avenue onto 128th Street then back to the Temple 168 Kelowna s annual Vaisakhi parade is held a week after Surrey s parade each year and begins and ends at the Sikh Temple on Rutland Road 169 Victoria s all day Vaisakhi celebration features a parade that begins and ends at Gurdwara Singh Sabha 470 Cecelia Road The 2018 celebrations on 29 April would be the first held in Victoria in over 100 years 170 Ontario edit In the Province of Ontario the Toronto Vaisakhi Parade is held in April starting at the Canadian National Exhibition grounds and traveling east to Toronto City Hall finishing almost three hours later Following the parade dignitaries address the gathering until late afternoon 171 In the city of Brampton the Gurudwara Sikh Sangat temple and Gobind Sarvar Gurmat School hold Vaisakhi cultural events such as yoga pagh turban tying storytelling and food fairs 172 In the city of Malton a three hour Nagar Kirtan parade winds from Morning Star Goreway Derry Rd amp Airport Rd to Malton Gurdwara Sahib Prairies edit In the Province of Alberta the Edmonton Vaisakhi parade is held in May and travels between the Gurdwara Singh Sabha 4504 Millwoods Road S amp Gurdwara Millwoods 2606 Millwoods Road E temples 173 In the Province of Saskatchewan the Saskatoon Vaisakhi parade is held in May starting and ending at the Gurudwara Sahib Temple at 331 Lowe Road 174 Atlantic edit In the Province of Nova Scotia the Halifax based Maritime Sikh Society holds Vaisakhi celebrations in April featuring Shabad Kirtan performed by professional ragis musicians 175 United Kingdom edit The United Kingdom has a large Sikh community originating from the Indian sub continent East Africa 176 and Afghanistan The largest concentrations of Sikhs in the UK are to be found in the West Midlands especially Birmingham and Wolverhampton and London 177 The Southall Nagar Kirtan is held on a Sunday a week or two before Vaisakhi The Birmingham Nagar Kirtan is held in late April in association with Birmingham City Council 178 and is an annual event attracting thousands of people which commences with two separate nagar kirtans setting off from gurdwaras in the city and culminating in the Vaisakhi Mela at Handsworth Park 179 United States edit Amongst Sikh populations in the United States there is usually a parade commemorating the Vaisakhi celebration In Manhattan New York City 180 people come out to do Seva selfless service such as giving out free food and completing any other labor that needs to be done In Los Angeles California the local Sikh community consisting of many gurdwaras 181 holds a full day Kirtan spiritual music program followed by a parade Malaysia edit The Sikh community a subgroup of the Malaysian Indian ethnic minority race is an ethnoreligious minority in Malaysia which is why Vaisakhi is not a public holiday However in line with the government s efforts to promote integration among the country s different ethnic and religious groups the prime minister Najib Razak has announced that beginning 2013 all government servants from the Sikh Malaysian Indian community will be given a day off on Vaisakhi Day 182 Vaisakhi open houses are also held across the country during the day of the festival or the closest weekend to it Buddhism editThe new year falls on or about the same day every year for many Buddhist communities in parts of South and Southeast Asia This is likely an influence of their shared culture in the 1st millennium CE 2 Some examples include Sangken in Arunachal Pradesh and parts of Assam India Aluth Avuruthu in Sri Lanka 108 Chol Chnam Thmey in Cambodia Pi Mai in Laos Songkran in Thailand Thingyan in Myanmar Water Sprinkling Festival celebrated by the Dai people in Sipsongpanna in Yunnan ChinaAs a harvest festival editVaisakhi is a harvest festival for people of Northern India 130 Chander and Dogra 2003 state that in Punjab Vaisakhi marks the ripening of the rabi harvest 126 Vaisakhi the Hindu Solar new year also marks the Nepalese Punjabi and Bengali New year 183 Fairs or Melas fair are held in many parts of North India to mark the new year and the harvesting season Vaisakhi fairs take place in various places including Jammu City Kathua Udhampur Reasi and Samba 184 in the Pinjore complex near Chandigarh 185 in Himachal Pradesh cities of Rewalsar Shimla Mandi and Prashar Lakes According to Ann Louise Wood Vaisakhi is a festival that is celebrated by the Hindus Sikhs and Muslims of Punjab 186 See also editJallianwala Bagh massacreNotes edit On 8 April 2016 Punjabi Parchar at Alhamra Lahore organised a show called Visakhi mela where the speakers pledged to continue our struggle to keep the Punjabi culture alive in Pakistan through events such as Visakhi Mela 153 Elsewhere Besakhi fairs or melas are held in various places including Eminabad 154 and Dera Ghazi Khan 155 References edit a b c Baisakhi Festival 16 February 2022 Retrieved 17 February 2022 a b c d e f g h Karen Pechilis Selva J Raj 2013 South Asian Religions Tradition and Today Routledge pp 48 49 ISBN 978 0 415 44851 2 a b c K R Gupta Amita Gupta 2006 Concise Encyclopaedia of India Atlantic Publishers p 998 ISBN 978 81 269 0639 0 a b Vaisakhi and the Khalsa bbc com BBC Religions 2009 William Owen Cole Piara Singh Sambhi 1995 The Sikhs Their Religious Beliefs and Practices Sussex Academic Press p 63 ISBN 978 1 898723 13 4 permanent dead link Quote The Sikh new year Vaisakhi occurs at Sangrand in April usually on the thirteenth day International Commerce Bureau of International Maths olympiad Commerce 1970 Mata William 4 April 2023 Vaisakhi 2023 when is it and how to celebrate in Trafalgar Square Evening Standard Retrieved 6 April 2023 April 2021 Official Central Government Holiday Calendar Government of India Retrieved 27 February 2021 Basoa of Himachal Pradesh Festival of Himachal Pradesh Fairs of Himachal Pradesh Harjinder Singh Vaisakhi Akaal Publishers p 2 Baisakhi Mela at Udhampur Daily Excelsior 14 April 2022 Brown Alan 1992 Festivals in World Religions Longman p 120 ISBN 9780582361966 In some north Indian states including the Jammu Kashmir Himachal Pradesh Punjab and Haryana the solar New Year which occurs at the spring equinox is celebrated as a festival known as Vaisakhi Harbans Singh 1 January 1998 The Encyclopaedia of Sikhism S Z Publications Bureau ISBN 978 81 7380 530 1 Rinehart Robin Rinehart Robert 2004 Contemporary Hinduism Ritual Culture and Practice ABC CLIO ISBN 978 1 57607 905 8 Kelly Aidan A Dresser Peter D Ross Linda M 1993 Religious Holidays and Calendars An Encyclopaedic Handbook Omnigraphics Incorporated ISBN 978 1 55888 348 2 Bowker John 2000 The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions Oxford University Press p 73 ISBN 978 0 19 280094 7 The first day of the Hindu solar month Vaisakha Apr May it is New Year s Day by the solar calendar of South and East India and a spring harvest festival in North and East India celebrated with melas dances and folksongs Basoa Baisakhi The New Year Festival 14 April 2023 Dogri A language of historical significance 27 November 2021 a b c d S R Bakshi Sita Ram Sharma S Gajnani 1998 Parkash Singh Badal Chief Minister of Punjab APH Publishing pages 208 209 Jonathan H X Lee Kathleen M Nadeau 2011 Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife ABC CLIO pp 1012 1013 ISBN 978 0 313 35066 5 William Owen Cole Piara Singh Sambhi 1995 The Sikhs Their Religious Beliefs and Practices Sussex Academic Press pp 135 136 ISBN 978 1 898723 13 4 a b Seiple Chris 2013 The Routledge handbook of religion and security New York Routledge p 96 ISBN 978 0 415 66744 9 a b c Pashaura Singh Louis E Fenech 2014 The Oxford Handbook of Sikh Studies Oxford University Press pp 236 237 ISBN 978 0 19 969930 8 a b Harkirat S Hansra 2007 Liberty at Stake Sikhs the Most Visible iUniverse pp 28 29 ISBN 978 0 595 43222 6 a b The Encyclopaedia of Sikhism Archived 8 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine section Sahib Siṅgh Bedi Baba 1756 1834 BBC Religions Hinduism Vaisakhi www bbc co uk Retrieved 27 March 2024 What is Vaisakhi or Baisakhi and how is it celebrated BBC Newsround 13 April 2018 Retrieved 27 March 2024 Vaisakhi has been a harvest festival in Punjab an area of northern India for a long time even before it became so important to Sikhs Vaisakhi PDF University of Denver Vaisakhi predates Sikhism and began as a grain harvest festival in the Punjab region of India Sarma Gautama 1984 Folklore of Himachal Pradesh National Book Trust India Oxtoby Willard 2007 A Concise Introduction to World Religions Oxford University Press pp 338 339 ISBN 978 0 19 542207 8 Baisakhi which is celebrated as New Year s day in India follows a solar calendar and usually falls on 13 April It began as a grain harvest festival for Hindus but has acquired historical association for Sikhs Cush Denise 21 August 2012 Encyclopedia of Hinduism Taylor and Francis p 916 ISBN 9781135189792 Lochtefeld James 2002 The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism Vol 1 A M Rosen Publishing p 81 ISBN 9780823931798 Baisakhi is celebrated mainly in the north particularly in the state of Punjab and its surrounding regions In the days when pilgrims still traveled through the Himalayas on foot this festival marked the beginning of the Himalayan pilgrimage season during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries Baisakhi was the occasion for a great trading festival in the town of Haridwar the gateway to the Himalayan shrines Although this fair has long been eclipsed Baisakhi is still the climactic bathing snana day for the Haridwar Kumbha Mela and Ardha Kumbha Mela each of which is a bathing festival that occurs about every twelve years when Jupiter is in the sign of Aquarius for the Kumbha Mela or Leo for the Ardha Kumbha Mela Cole W Owen 26 August 2004 Understanding Sikhism Dunedin Academic Press Ltd p 55 ISBN 978 1 906716 91 2 Sikhs were also instructed to assemble wherever the Guru happened to be at the Hindu spring festival of Vaisakhi or Baisakhi and in the autumn at Diwali Rinehart Robin 2004 Contemporary Hinduism Ritual Culture and Practice ABC CLIO p 139 ISBN 978 1 57607 905 8 a b c Christian Roy 2005 Traditional Festivals A Multicultural Encyclopedia ABC CLIO pp 479 480 ISBN 978 1 57607 089 5 Knott Kim 25 February 2016 Hinduism A Very Short Introduction Oxford University Press p 80 ISBN 978 0 19 106271 1 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Singh Harbans 1980 Maharaja Ranjit Singh Sterling Bhatia Ramaninder K 7 April 2011 Myth behind Baisakhi Baisakhi not always on April 13 The Times of India Retrieved 1 March 2021 Crump William D 2014 Encyclopedia of New Year s Holidays Worldwide MacFarland page 114 Sarma Dharmavira 1991 Dilli pradesa ki loka saṃskr tika sabdavali in Hindi Rajesa Prakasana Misra Radhakanta 1993 प र व अपभ र श भ ष in Hindi Visvavidyalaya Prakasana ISBN 978 81 7124 105 7 Singh Namavar 1961 Hindi vikasa meṃ apabh raṃsa ka yōga in Hindi Banglatown spices it up for New Year at the Baishakhi Mela May 2006 The Londoner 30 September 2007 Archived from the original on 30 September 2007 Retrieved 28 February 2021 Sarma Pavitra Kumara 2008 Abhinava Hindi nibandha in Hindi Atmaram amp Sons ISBN 978 81 7900 058 8 Basoa Festival in India Rao S Balachandra 1 January 2000 Indian Astronomy An Introduction Universities Press ISBN 9788173712050 Retrieved 14 September 2016 via Google Books Tribune 15 April 2011 Baisakhi fervour at Haridwar Lakhs take dip in holy Ganga 1 a b c d BBC Religion Hinduism Vaisakhi BBC Retrieved 22 January 2012 Crump William D 2014 Encyclopedia of New Year s Holidays Worldwide McFarland 2 Mark Anthony Falzon 2004 Cosmopolitan Connections The Sindhi Diaspora 1860 2000 BRILL p 62 ISBN 90 04 14008 5 a b Robin Rinehart 2004 Contemporary Hinduism Ritual Culture and Practice ABC CLIO p 139 ISBN 978 1 57607 905 8 Lochtefeld James G 1 January 2002 The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism A M The Rosen Publishing Group ISBN 9780823931798 Retrieved 14 September 2016 via Google Books Bhalla Kartar Singh February 2005 Let s Know Festivals of India Star Publications ISBN 978 81 7650 165 1 Deb Soma Sinha B 2001 Encyclopaedia of Fairs amp Festivals in India With Select Rituals Vows Holy Cities Temples and Pilgrim Centers Raj Publications ISBN 978 81 86208 14 4 50 lakh pilgrims take holy dip in Ganga on Baisakhi The Hindu PTI 13 April 2010 ISSN 0971 751X Retrieved 10 February 2021 Ng Franklin 1995 The Asian American Encyclopedia Marshall Cavendish ISBN 978 1 85435 678 9 a b A Glossary of the Tribes and Castes of the Punjab and North West Frontier Province Low Price Publications 1999 ISBN 978 81 7536 153 9 a b Nijjar Bakhshish Singh 1972 Panjab Under the Later Mughals 1707 1759 New Academic Publishing Company a b Gazetteer of the Ferozpur District 1883 1883 a b Khalid Haroon In defiance Celebrating Baisakhi at a Hindu shrine in Pakistan Scroll in Retrieved 10 February 2021 a b Darshan Consulate General of India 1982 Punjab India 1992 Punjab District Gazetteers Supplement Controller of Print and Stationery Anand R L 1962 Fairs and Festivals Part VII B Vol XIII Punjab Census of India 1961 p 60 Jeratha Asoka 1998 Dogra Legends of Art amp Culture Indus Publishing ISBN 978 81 7387 082 8 Kashmir India Superintendent of Census Operations Jammu and 1966 District Census Handbook Jammu amp Kashmir Jammu a href Template Cite book html title Template Cite book cite book a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link Jeratha Asoka 1998 Dogra Legends of Art amp Culture Indus Publishing ISBN 978 81 7387 082 8 Sharma Shiv Chander 1997 Antiquities History Culture and Shrines of Jammu Vinod Publishers amp Distributors ISBN 978 81 85599 46 5 Siraza Hindi in Hindi 1988 Ganhar J N 23 May 1975 Jammu Shrines and Pilgrimages Ganhar Publications via Google Books Kashmir India Superintendent of Census Operations Jammu and 1966 District Census Handbook Jammu amp Kashmir Kathua a href Template Cite book html title Template Cite book cite book a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link 15 000 devotees visit ancient Subar Nag temple on Baisakhi eve www outlookindia com Retrieved 10 February 2021 Kashmir India Superintendent of Census Operations Jammu and 1966 District Census Handbook Jammu amp Kashmir Dada a href Template Cite book html title Template Cite book cite book a CS1 maint multiple names authors list link Registrar India Office of the General India Office of the Registrar 1962 Census of India 1961 Himachal Pradesh Manager of Publications Registrar India Office of the General India Office of the Registrar 1962 Census of India 1961 Himachal Pradesh Manager of Publications Registrar India Office of the General India Office of the Registrar 1962 Census of India 1961 Himachal Pradesh Manager of Publications Registrar India Office of the General India Office of the Registrar 1962 Census of India 1961 Himachal Pradesh Manager of Publications Bhatt S C 2005 Land and people of Indian states and union territories in 36 volumes Gyan Publishing House ISBN 978 81 7835 356 2 Krishan Bal 1965 Kurukshetra saṃskr tika evaṃ aitihasika siṃhavalokana in Hindi Visvavidyalaya Prakasana Gr ha Krishan Bal 1978 Kurukshetra Political and Cultural History B R Publishing Corporation ISBN 978 81 7018 033 3 Punia Bijender K 1994 Tourism Management Problems and Prospects APH Publishing ISBN 978 81 7024 643 5 Singh Kumar Suresh 2005 People of India Uttar Pradesh 3 pts Anthropological Survey of India ISBN 978 81 85579 09 2 Department United provinces of Agra and Oudh Police 1934 Guide to Muhammadan and Hindu Festivals and Fasts in the United Provinces Superintendent printing and stationery United provinces Saran Anirudha Behari Pandey Gaya 1992 Sun Worship in India A Study of Deo Sun Shrine Northern Book Centre ISBN 978 81 7211 030 7 2017 Official Central Government Holiday Calendar PDF Government of India Retrieved 4 March 2017 Crump William D 2014 Encyclopedia of New Year s Holidays Worldwide MacFarland page 114 a b c d Major festivals of Kerala Archived 13 April 2021 at the Wayback Machine Government of Kerala 2016 a b J Gordon Melton 2011 Religious Celebrations An Encyclopedia of Holidays Festivals Solemn Observances and Spiritual Commemorations ABC CLIO p 633 ISBN 978 1 59884 206 7 a b Maithily Jagannathan 2005 South Indian Hindu Festivals and Traditions Abhinav Publications pp 76 77 ISBN 978 81 7017 415 8 City celebrates Vishu The Hindu 16 April 2010 Retrieved 27 September 2013 When the Laburnum blooms The Hindu 14 April 2011 Retrieved 27 September 2013 Roshen Dalal 2010 Hinduism An Alphabetical Guide Penguin Books p 461 ISBN 978 0 14 341421 6 Bohag Bihu Britannica Sitakant Mahapatra 1993 Chhau Dance of Mayurbhanj Vidyapuri p 86 Odisha celebrates New Year Maha Vishuva Sankranti The Hindu 14 April 2016 Kapila D Silva Amita Sinha 2016 Cultural Landscapes of South Asia Studies in Heritage Conservation and Management Taylor amp Francis pp 159 162 ISBN 978 1 317 36592 1 Crump William D 2014 Encyclopedia of New Year s Holidays Worldwide MacFarland page 114 Gordon Melton J 13 September 2011 Religious Celebrations An Encyclopedia of Holidays Festivals Solemn Observances and Spiritual Commemorations 2 volumes An Encyclopedia of Holidays Festivals Solemn Observances and Spiritual Commemorations Abc Clio ISBN 9781598842067 Bureau ABP News 14 April 2022 Poila Boishakh 1429 Why Bangladesh amp West Bengal Celebrate Bengali New Year on Different Days news abplive com Retrieved 14 April 2022 Guhathakurta Meghna Schendel Willem van 2013 The Bangladesh Reader History Culture Politics Duke University Press pp 17 18 ISBN 9780822353188 a b Nitish K Sengupta 2011 Land of Two Rivers A History of Bengal from the Mahabharata to Mujib Penguin Books India pp 96 98 ISBN 978 0 14 341678 4 William D Crump 2014 Encyclopedia of New Year s Holidays Worldwide McFarland p 113114 ISBN 978 0 7864 9545 0 Quote Naba Barsha New Year Hindu New Year festival in West Bengal State observed on the first day of the month of Vaisakha or Baisakh corresponds to mid April New Year s Day is known as Pahela Baisakh First of Baisakh Karen Pechilis Selva J Raj 2013 South Asian Religions Tradition and Today Routledge pp 48 49 ISBN 978 0 415 44851 2 Roshen Dalal 2010 Hinduism An Alphabetical Guide Penguin Books pp 135 137 ISBN 978 0 14 341421 6 D C Sircar 1965 Indian Epigraphy Motilal Banarsidass pp 241 272 273 ISBN 978 81 208 1166 9 Richard Salomon 1998 Indian Epigraphy A Guide to the Study of Inscriptions in Sanskrit Prakrit and the Other Indo Aryan Languages Oxford University Press pp 148 246 247 346 ISBN 978 0 19 509984 3 Roshen Dalal 2010 Hinduism An Alphabetical Guide Penguin Books p 406 ISBN 978 0 14 341421 6 a b Peter Reeves 2014 The Encyclopedia of the Sri Lankan Diaspora Didier Millet p 174 ISBN 978 981 4260 83 1 William D Crump 2014 Encyclopedia of New Year s Holidays Worldwide McFarland p 220 ISBN 978 0 7864 9545 0 Samuel S Dhoraisingam 2006 Peranakan Indians of Singapore and Melaka Institute of Southeast Asian Studies p 38 ISBN 978 981 230 346 2 Hari Bansh Jha 1993 The terai community and national integration in Nepal 3 Ethnobotany Aavishkar Publishers Distributors 1 January 2002 ISBN 9788179100257 via Google Books Organization Pakistan Census 1962 Population Census of Pakistan 1961 District Census Report Manager of Publications p 19 The favourite day for bullock racing is the first of Vaisakhi 13th April hence bullock race is called Vaisakhi at whatever time of the year it may occur The Modern World Civilizations of Africa Civilizations of Europe Civilizations of the Americas Civilizations of the Middle East and Southwest Asia Civilizations of Asia and the Pacific Routledge 4 March 2015 p 625 ISBN 9781317455721 Social Transformation in Post conflict Nepal Routledge 28 April 2016 p 38 ISBN 9781317353904 Jawahar Malhotra 25 April 2011 Area Nepalese celebrate a lively Baisakhi The Times of India Retrieved 28 February 2021 Boishakhi Mela in New York Boishakhi Mela in New York Daily Sun Retrieved 26 February 2021 VISHU CELEBRATION Union City CA India West Retrieved 26 February 2021 What is Baisakhi festival and why is it celebrated www timesnownews com Retrieved 11 April 2022 Pashaura Singh 2005 Understanding the Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Journal of Punjab Studies 12 1 pp 29 62 Johar Surinder 1999 Guru Gobind Singh A Multi faceted Personality M D Publications p 89 ISBN 978 8175330931 Singh Gandhi Surjit 2008 History of Sikh Gurus Retold 1606 1708 Atlantic Publishers pp 676 677 ISBN 978 8126908578 Laws of the State of Illinois Enacted by the General Assembly at the Extra Session 2013 State Printers page 7772 Singh Jagraj 2009 A Complete Guide to Sikhism Unistar Books page 311 Kaur Madanjit 2007 Unistar Books Guru Gobind Singh Historical and Ideological Perspective page 149 a b c Dogra Ramesh Chander and Dogra Urmila 2003 Page 49 The Sikh World An Encyclopedic Survey of Sikh Religion and Culture UBS Publishers Distributors Pvt Ltd ISBN 81 7476 443 7 Singh Roopinder 2020 Tribune Celebrating Baisakhi of 2020 Necessitated by the requirements of social distancing the festivities this year will focus on the spiritual 4 Tribune News service 14 April 2009 Vaisakhi celebrated with fervour gaiety The Tribune Chandigarh Walia Aarohi 200 Fold Dances of Punjab Unistar Book a b Bakshi S R Sharma Sita Ram 1998 Parkash Singh Badal Chief Minister of Punjab 5 Dhillon 2015 Janamsakhis Ageless Stories Timeless Values Hay House 6 Gupta Surendra K 1999 Indians in Thailand Books India International 7 Link Indian Newsmagazine 13 April 1987 via Google Books Nahar Emanual 2007 Minority politics in India role and impact of Christians in Punjab politics Arun Pub House 8 Dr Singh Sadhu 2010 Punjabi Boli Di Virasat Chetna Prakashan ISBN 817883618 1 Atwal H S 1995 Census of India 1991 Una India Controller of Publications Sahi J S N K 1999 An Encyclopaedia of Sikhism and Sikhs Abroad It Includes Sikh Gurus Sikh Rehyat Maryada Life of Guru Gobind Singh Maharaja Ranjit Singh Etc Sikh Martyrs Gurudwaras in India and Abroad and Sikhs Abroad with Coloured Photographs India Common World Punjab 1999 Political and Socio economic Developments 2000 India Anamika Publishers amp Distributors Tribune Jammu 12 04 2020 accessed 6 March 2021 Coronavirus Gurdwara Nangali Sahib to not hold Baisakhi celebrations for first time since 1803 9 Proceedings Punjab History Conference 2003 Culture and Shrines of Jammu Vinod Publishers amp Distributors Sharma Shiv Chander 1997 Antiquities History Culture and Shrines of Jammu Vinod Publishers amp Distributors 10 Data Piara Singh 1988 Banda Singh Bahadur National Bookshop Raafi Muhammad 13 April 2016 accessed 6 March 2021 KL News Network Basisakhi celebrated across Kashmir 11 Brard Gurnam 2007 East of Indus My Memories of Old Punjab Hemkunt Press p 185 ISBN 9788170103608 Surjit Gandhi 2007 History of Sikh Gurus Retold 1606 1708 C E Volume 2 of History of Sikh Gurus Retold Atlantic Publishers amp Distributors p 999 ISBN 9788126908585 Singh Khushwant 1999 A History of the Sikhs Volume I 1469 1839 India Oxford University Press p 215 ISBN 0 19 562643 5 Pashaura Singh Louis E Fenech 201 0 The Oxford Handbook of Sikh Studies Oxford University Press 12 Glare and galore at Baisakhi festival The Dawn Pakistan 15 April 2015 Vaisakhi 2015 Sikh devotees celebrate major festival in India and Pakistan David Sims International Business Times Ary News 17 April 2015 Sikh pligrims gather in Pakistan for Vaisakhi festival 13 Muhammad Najeeb Hasan Abdal 12 April 2008 Sikh throng Pakistan shrine for Vaisakhi Thaindian News www thaindian com Retrieved 22 January 2012 Pakistan Today 8 April 2016 Punjabi Parchar spreads colours of love at Visakhi Mela A fair dedicated to animal lovers DAWN COM 20 April 2009 Agnes Ziegler Akhtar Mummunka 2006 The final Frontier unique photographs of Pakistan Sang e Meel Publications 14 Cultural Decline in Pakistan Pakistan Today Aziz ud din Ahmed 21 February 2015 Official Holidays Government of Punjab India 2016 Official Holidays 2016 Government of Punjab Pakistan 2016 Official Holidays 2016 Archived 1 September 2018 at the Wayback Machine Karachi Metropolitan Sindh Pakistan Global News 12 April 2015 Vaisakhi celebrated at parade in south Vancouver 15 a b Vancouver Vaisakhi Festival Celebrations Retrieved 5 November 2021 Khalsa Diwan Society Vancouver Thousands brighten Vancouver streets to mark Vaisakhi CBC News Retrieved 24 April 2018 VancouverDesi com 14 April 2015 What you need to know about the Vaisakhi parade 16 Surrey s Vaisakhi parade draws record attendance in massive celebration of diversity and inclusion Vancouver Sun Retrieved 21 April 2017 Up to 400K people expected to attend 2017 Surrey Vaisakhi parade CBC News Retrieved 21 April 2017 Surrey s Vaisakhi parade biggest ever North Delta Reporter 23 April 2018 Retrieved 24 April 2018 Surrey Vaisakhi Parade Map Retrieved 24 April 2018 Vaisakhi Parade Saturday Castanet Retrieved 25 April 2018 After 100 years Vaisakhi returns to Victoria CBC Retrieved 28 April 2018 Khalsa Day Parade Celebrate the founding of the Sikh community at Better Living Centre Archived from the original on 22 June 2018 Retrieved 24 April 2018 Vaisakhi Cultural Food Fair Retrieved 24 April 2018 Vaisakhi 2018 Archived from the original on 24 January 2019 Retrieved 24 April 2018 1st ever Saskatoon Sikh Parade was so busy it spurred a traffic advisory Retrieved 28 April 2018 Maritime Sikh Society About Us Retrieved 28 April 2018 S K Rait 2005 Sikh Women in England Their Religious and Cultural Beliefs and Social Practices 17 Amarjeet Singh 2014 Indian Diaspora Voices of Grandparents and Grandparenting 18 Council Birmingham City Things to do Birmingham City Council Retrieved 14 September 2016 Thousands join Sikh Vaisakhi celebrations in Birmingham BBC News 22 April 2012 Retrieved 10 May 2012 Annual NYC Sikh Day Parade www nycsikhdayparade com 30 April 2012 Archived from the original on 22 March 2012 Retrieved 22 January 2012 Baisakhi Guru Ram Das Ashram Retrieved 14 September 2016 Sikh civil servants get Vaisakhi holiday The Star Online 8 May 2012 Retrieved 15 February 2013 Sainik Samachar The Pictorial Weekly of the Armed Forces Volume 33 1986 Director of Public Relations Ministry of Defence 19 Baisakhi celebrated with fervour gaiety in J amp K 14 April 2015 Retrieved 14 September 2016 Punia Bijender K 1 January 1994 Tourism Management Problems and Prospects APH Publishing ISBN 9788170246435 Retrieved 14 September 2016 via Google Books Wood Ann Louise 1966 East Indians in California a study of their organizations 1900 1947 Thesis University of Wisconsin p 69 nbsp Media related to Vaisakhi at Wikimedia Commons 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