Posted on : 15th April 2011 Baisakhi, also spelled as Vaisakhi is the harvest festival of Punjab. Later people starting celebrating this local festival as Sikh's New Year. The festival commemorates inception year of Khalsa, the Sikh community in 1699. Hence it is a New Year for Sikh community.
The festival of Baisakhi is celebrated on April 13 or 14 by Sikh community. It is the most important festival of Punjab. The day has great historical importance as it is the founding day of the Sikh's community – Khalsa.
The story Behind
This is the day when Guru Gobind Singh holding a sword came out of his tent & requested people to come forward if they are ready to give their life for his religion. Hearing this a young Sikh came up and entered the tent with him. Soon the Guru reappeared but alone & his sword covered in blood. He once again requested the same. This happened another 4 times until 5 of them had gone inside the tent with him.
Meanwhile, everybody present got immensely terrified until five reappeared with Guru Gobind Singh alive, wearing turbans. Since then five of them were known as the Panj Piare or “Beloved Five”. These men were then baptised by the Guru into the Khalsa sprinkling amrit on them.
For this reason, Amrit ceremony came into existence and these five Sikhs became the first Khalsa members.
Baisakhi Celebrations
This year Baisakhi falls on April 14. The celebration involves visiting gurudwara, listening holy scripture read by gurudwara granthi. The day is also marked by large procession of gaudily dressed men & women lead by five Sikhs reminding of Panj Piare. The whole atmosphere gets colorful & sacred with people chanting 'Jo Bole So Nihal', 'Satnam Shri Wahe Guru' and 'Deg Teg Fateh' throughout the procession. People after all traditional customs enjoy Guru - ka – Langar as well as Karah Prasad.
There are numerous programs held to commemorate the great day of 1699. The day also involves sharing of gifts among family members & friends. There are hundreds and hundreds of Baisakhi Gifts ideas for Season's Vaisakhi Greetings on the market as well as online.
Gifts are shared since earlier time to increase celebration enthusiasm & excitement. So send exclusive Baisakhi Gifts to your dear ones across the globe online. It is a great way to celebrate Sikh New Year & get the blessings of loved ones all year round. So celebrate festival with special Baisakhi gifts.