Baisakhi 2021 – The Harvest Festival of India

This week starting from Monday 12th April is quite significant. Baisakhi 2021 will be celebrated in a gala way (following the COVID-19 norms) all throughout India. Also known as Vaisakhi, it is the harvest festival of the country. The Hindu religion follows a different calendar other than the normal English calendar. Baisakhi 2021 will mark the beginning of the Hindu traditional calendar. Men and women assemble together to celebrate the auspicious festival, irrespective of age, gender and religion. That is the beauty and essence of the festival; uniting the whole country into a single string of love, bonding and togetherness.

The History

Baisakhi 2021 and all the previous years have a history behind them. The history is attributed to that of the Sikhs. Though the festival is celebrated in different states of India, yet its origin was in Punjab and Haryana. The tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh was coronated on the day of Baisakhi way back in 1699. He inspired the Sikhs to follow the holy book, Guru Granth Sahib. He also taught people to be strong and confident in their beliefs and service to the nation and human beings.

Under his flagship, the Khalsa system of the Sikhs was established wherein the Sikhs follow the five Ks; Kesh(long hair for men tied in a turban), Kangha(wooden comb), Kara(iron bangle), Kachera(cotton garment), and Kirpan(sword). To mark this divine occasion, Baisakhi is being celebrated by the Sikhs every year. People from various states join in the celebrations along with the Sikhs for the rich harvest and starting the Hindu calendar for the year.

The Tradition

People dip into the holy waters of the rivers to offer their prayers to the Gods for the good harvest season. They cook and prepare food from the farm harvest and enjoy it with family and friends. Greeting and welcoming each other at houses and serving food is a part of a long term tradition among all the communities in India. Baisakhi 2021 will not stand an exception to such a beautiful and harmonious custom. Wearing new dresses is also a part of the age-old tradition.

The Celebrations

Similar to other years, Baisakhi 2021 will be celebrated in grandeur and enthusiasm. It is a beautiful sight to watch men, women and children adorned in new colourful attire; smiles flashing across their faces as they enjoy the spring and freshness in the air. COVID-19 have curbed the celebrations a bit, that's accepted, yet the feel and charm exist among all. You can also observe dashes of jewellery accompanying the traditional attire.

The local and traditional delectable dishes are prepared in the households. Guests are invited to join in the celebrations and enjoy the sumptuous food. Home-made sweets form a key part of the innumerable recipes as the customary routine of the festival. Baisakhi 2021 is celebrated predominantly in different restaurants and food chains across India; offering special local menus to soothe your tongue. The farmers and the village folks often perform local songs and dances to celebrate the festival in a gala fashion.

Special Baisakhi celebrations in Punjab and Haryana

The men and women from Punjab wear the traditional Kurtas (upper part of the dress of a man), waistcoat, scarf, Lungi (lower part of the dress of a man) and Salwar Kameez (dress of a woman). Gorgeous and dazzling ornaments and jewellery further enhance the beauty of the attire.

The residents of the two states prepare the traditional dishes at their houses. The restaurants and food outlets prepare awesome food from Punjabi cuisine. The prominent among them being Chhole Bhature, Sarson ka saag, Chicken Saghwala, Achari mutton, kheer, and Lassi (a drink made of curd).

A special procession comes out on the streets known as Nagar Kirtan. The holy Guru Granth Sahib book is carried in honour in a carriage across the roads. The carriage is hosted by senior Sikh leaders and is a customary tradition followed every year. The procession is accompanied by dancers performing Punjabi folk dances Bhangra and Gidda. Drummers perform rhythmic and melodious beats adding to the entertainment and fun. Some even perform martial arts stunts demonstrating their bravery and courage to fight the evils. The festival commemorates a new era in the lives of people.