Baisakhi is a like a National Festivals to the Punjabi, celebrated with much fun and frolic. The days marks the beginning of the harvest season. New clothes, new spirit and a new promise to start a better life is what make the Punjabi festival even more enjoyable.
But surely there are some facts that many people are ignorant about. So we are your guiding force to make your learn more about it.
1. It is very essential to the Sikh community as it marks the establishment of Khalsa
And for those who do not know what is Khalsa – It is the collective body of all initiated Sikhs represented by the five beloved-ones (Panj Piaras) and can be called the Guru Panth.
2.In 1875, Arya Samaj was founded
Baisakhi is equally important to the Hindu’s as Swami Dayanand founded the Arya Samaj on the very same day of Baisakhi.
3. Blessing Giving Day
It was on the day of Baisakhi in 1567 that Guru Amar Das had first institutionalized Baisakhi as one of the special days when all Sikhs would gather to receive the guru’s blessings at Goindwal.
4. The Day Of Enlightenment
The day holds a significant importance to the Buddhist community as well, as it is believed it was on the eve of Baisakhi, Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment or Nirvana under the Mahabodhi tree in the town of Gaya.
5. Materialization of the Khalsa Panth
This day marks the birth of Khalsa Panth. It was on this day, a meeting was organized at Anandpur Sahib, in 1699, that the tenth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Sigh laid the foundation of Khalsa Panth.
6. The Panj Pyare were formed
Guru Gobind Singh administered amrit (nectar) to his first batch of five disciples, the Panj Pyare making them Singhs, a martial community.
Panj Pyare -the name collectively given to the five Sikh men, Bhai Sahib Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh, Bhai Himmat Singh, Bhai Mohkam Singh and Bhai Daya Singh by Guru Gobind Singh at the historic divan at Anandpur Sahib on 13 April 1699. They formed the nucleus of the Khalsa, as the first batch to receive khanda di Pahul, i.e. rites of the two-edged sword.
7. The End of Guru Era
Sikhism was found by the first Guru Nanak Deb and the last guru that Sikhism saw was Guru Gobind Singh. As after the Baisakhi Day in 1699 the tradition of gurus was discontinued, and the Granth Sahib – the Holy book of the Sikhs was declared the eternal guide of the Sikhs.
8.Confluence of Culture
It is just a mere co-incidence or a sign that India has confluence of culture. We truly belong to “Unity in Diversity” genre. The auspicious occasion is not only celebrated by the Sikhs, but Bengali’s , Assamese, Tamilians and the Keralite also have a reason to celebrate
Bengali’s New Year – Poila Boisakh
Asaamese – Rongali Bihu
Tamil New Year – Puthandu
Kerala /Malayalam New Year – Pooram Vishu
Nepali New Year – Nava Barsha/Nhudhan
9. Different States Different Celebration
In Himachal Pradesh, the Hindu Goddess Jwalamukhi is worshiped on the day, while in Bihar, the Sun-god Surya is honored. It also celebrated outside India in Nepal and Sri Lanka.
10. Mythological Reason
For Hindus across the Punjab region and other parts of India, there is another reason to celebrate the first day of Vaisakh. It is 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.
Now that you have gained a bit more knowledge, let celebrate the festival.
Baisakhi di lakh lakh vadaiyaan 🙂
Tana tanak,
Teri bodi mere hath,
Meri gutt tere hath,
Maeno rakhna e rakh,
Maeno kadna e kad!
Maeyon tere naal vasiyan,
te hor koi vase vi na
Maeyon tere naal kattiyan,
te hor koi kate ve na…
Search for the meaning of this Punjabi folk song sung during Baisakhi. A sweet surprise.