India is renowned globally for its cultural diversity and indeed, it’s the uniqueness of the country, where such countless religions and societies abide in concordance. Even the smallest or the biggest festivals are celebrated with open arms by all religions. Similarly, amidst the rich harvest and across the greenfield, comes the festival of Baisakhi. Also known as Vaisakhi, it is a festival of harvest celebrated in the regions of north India. This is a celebration that additionally denotes the Punjabi New Year and is praised to express appreciation for the great harvest season. Prayers are said for future success and mere gratitude is expressed by all. Lovely fairs are held in the towns in Punjab and the air is one of fellowship and cheer. Celebrated in the Vaisakh (April) month, it also denotes the start of the new spring year. It is a great time to travel to India, and be a part of the exuberant festivities.
Significance of Baisakhi
This festival holds a ton of significance in Punjab as it is overwhelmingly an agricultural state. All things considered, it is commended with a ton of energy and people get up right on time and take a dip in the holy rivers. Baisakhi likewise has a lot of importance for Sikhs, who praise the day as the birthday of the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh and the establishment of the Khalsa in 1699. The best and energizing thing about Baisakhi is that it is commended directly in the open fields with lots of bhangra and gidda dance performed by people. Everybody spruces up for the event in the most vivid conventional outfits and the hints of the dhol could be heard all over.
Gurudwaras are beautifully decorated on this occasion and host kirtans. Everyone gathers to share happiness and visit the Golden temple to seek blessings. After offering prayers, Sikhs usually wear vibrant traditional Indian clothes and take part in parades through the streets. There is singing, dancing and chanting of hymns. This procession is called the Nagar Kirtan.
Baisakhi in Australia
In 2019, Melbourne was decked up and thousands of people assembled to honour the lovely festival of Baisakhi. For the first time ever, Nagar Kirtan event was celebrated at a tremendous scale on the streets, and there was nothing but joyous in the air. The event was organised by the Victorian Sikh Gurdwaras Council (VSGC) and more than 20,000 sikhs came together to celebrate the heritage and culture of Sikhs traditions.
This year, Sandgate in Brisbane hosted a grand Mela, with dancing, food, activities and music on display. Delicious north Indian dishes were devoured by all and sports such as gatka (Indian martial arts) and volleyball were played. The event was concluded with a stunning fireworks show which lit up the night sky. This is also a great time to travel to India and celebrate the festival in the regions of Punjab.
Check out the video in the link here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-y9ghvkkPbM
Here is an event happening in Australia that might interest you :
Vaisakhi Mela 2021
Victorian Punjabi Swag is hosting a Mela and is calling all ladies to dress up in the best of their colours and put on their dancing shoes. It’s going to be a soiree full of exciting performances, games and food.
When : 25 April 2021
Where : 514 High St, Epping VIC 3076
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