(CHAKRA) Sikhs and (Indian) Punjabis all over the world celebrate vaisakhi (also known as Baisakhi or Visakhi) annually. For many Punjabis, Baisakhi is a historic harvest festival based out of the Punjab and Haryana area which starts a new harvest season as well as marking a new solar year.

Vaisakhi for Sikhs

For Sikhs, Baisakhi is one of most significant festivals in the Sikh calendar and commemorates the beginning of the Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib in year 1699. This was done by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji (the 10th Sikh Guru) where the first Sikhs were baptized using amrit (sweet nector juice). Therefore, Indian Punjabis and Sikhs reflect on the values taught by Sikh Gurus and celebrate the Khalsa’s birth.

In 1762 Ahmed Shah Abdali, with the sole purpose to destroy the entire Sikh nation, declared ‘Jihad’ against the Sikhs and all the Muslims in Punjab rallied under this slogan. The Sikhs were surrounded near the village Kup in Ludhiana District. Chronicles mention that approximately 20,000 Sikhs were killed in 1 day. This event is known in the history of the Sikhs as “Ghallughara” (Bloody Carnage). After this, Ahmed Shah Abdali thought that he had crushed the entire Sikh nation, but was greatly disillusioned when after a few months heard that the Sikhs in large number are celebrating Baisakhi at Amritsar. In due course of time Baisakhi reminds every Sikh of his cultural and religious heritage. On Baisakhi day many members from the Sikh community assembled at Amritsar and decide their problems relating to politics and religion. This tradition is still followed by some groups on Baisakhi.

History tells another story that in 1567, Guru Ram Das committed Baisakhi as one of the specialist days, when all Sikhs would assemble to seek the blessings from Guru at Goindwal. Many Sikhs believe that on the day of Baisakhi, martyred by the barbaric acts of the Muslim rulers. According to the legend, he was dumped into boiling oil, by the Muslim rulers.

Vaisakhi for Hindus

For Hindus in various states, it is the start of the New Year. Some Hindus gather along the sacred Ganges River for ritual baths. The action is centered in some parts of North India, but mainly in South Indian states like Tamil Nadu. Hindus plant poles (wrapped in flags of gold-embroidered silk) in front of their homes, and hang pots of brass, copper or silver on top.

In Kerala, the festival is called ‘Vishu’. It includes fireworks, shopping for new clothes and interesting displays called ‘Vishu Kani’. These are arrangements of flowers, grains, fruits, cloth, gold, and money are viewed early in the morning, to ensure a year of prosperity.

The branch of Hinduism called Arya Samaj was founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati on Vaisakhi, in 1875.

Baisakhi is usually celebrated around April 13, 14, in the different regions across the world as Punjabi Sikhs and

Vaisakhi for Buddhists

Often referred as Vesakha, Vaisakha, Vesak or Wesak – the day of Vaisakhi commemorates the Birth, Awakening and Enlightened Passing Away of Lord Buddha Gautama who was born as prince Siddharta.

Hindus migrated overseas. In 2013 it falls on April 14th.

The Chakra News team wishes everyone a blessed and happy Baisakhi on this special and important day.