The month of Baisakh marks the beginning of the harvest season. Baisakhi is organized to celebrate the harvest crops or the rabi crops. Baisakhi also marks the Sikh New Year. It is mainly organized in Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal, and Assam with great joy and enthusiasm. This year Baisakhi will be observed on 13th April 2022. But, why is Baisakhi celebrated? What happened on Baisakhi? What is the significance of the festival?
This article will take you on a virtual tour of the Baisakhi celebrations across India and will walk you through the pages of history to throw light on the Vaisakhi story.
What Is The Story Of Baisakhi
This section will walk you through what happened on Baisakhi and will narrate to you the Vaisakhi story. Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor wanted to diversify the Islamic religion to the whole of India! But, a potential threat to his ideologies brewed when the ninth Sikh guru, Guru Teg Bahadur stood against the atrocities of Aurangzeb. In fear of rising disturbances by the Sikh Guru, the emperor beheaded Guru Teg Bahadur. Following this incident, Guru Gobind Singh, son of martyr Guru Tegh Bahadur, emerged as the tenth Sikh Guru who instilled courage and patriotism in the minds of the Sikh community.
On the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi in the year 1699, he established the “ Khalsa Panth” or the community of the pure-hearted and brave Sikhs! According to the rules of Khalsa Panth, there is no discrimination among God’s creations on the basis of caste, creed, religion, or color. All are considered equal. He also bestowed the surname Singh – meaning Lion to each Sikh and also asked the Sikhs to wear the five K’s – Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachcha, and Kirpan! He urged all the Sikh members to follow the guidance of “Grantha Sahib” – the sacred book of the Sikhs.
What Happened On Baisakhi In Amritsar In 1919?
Baisakhi is not only the day to celebrate the Spring Festival. It is also a day to honor and pay tribute to the thousands of innocents who lost their lives to the brutal Jallianwala Bagh Massacre! But what happened on Baisakhi in Amritsar during the year 1919? This section will take you to the blood-chilling history of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and will uncover the brutality and cowardly attitude of General Dyer!
On 10th March 1919, the British Government passed the Rowlatt Act, according to which the British Government has the sole right to capture and jail any person who is found to be engaged in rebellious activities against the Government.
In response to the Black law, two freedom fighters, Satyapal and Saifuddin Kitchlew organized a protest against the oppression of British rule. On 10th April, the duo was arrested by British Police which instigated unrest among the public. Fearing massive disturbances of law and order in the state, the British Government banned public meetings and rallies. Unaware of such restrictions, many gathered on the grounds of the Jallianwala Bagh on 13th April 1919 to celebrate Baisakhi and also to stage peaceful protests against the Rowlatt Act.
Jalianwala Bagh had only one exit gate and General Reginald Dyer after gaining information that a crowd had gathered in the Jallianwala Bagh, disobeying his rules, closed the only exit point of the Bagh. Without any notice, his troops threw fire on the thousands of innocents and shot bullets at the unarmed people. Thousands of them were killed in the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre! Thus, on the sacred occasion of Baisakhi, many people also pay their respect and honor to the thousands who had to end their lives to the oppression of General Dyer.
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What Is The Significance Of Baisakhi – Why Is Baisakhi Celebrated In Punjab
On the sacred occasion of Baisakhi, Sikhs pay tribute and respect to their tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh, for his inspiring words to encourage the Sikh Community. People gather on the pious grounds of Anandpur Sahib to eat and enjoy together and celebrate brotherhood. People also visit the sacred Gurudwaras to take holy baths and pray for the betterment of their families. Women dress up in white suits, teamed with orange Dupattas to pray and eat together at the langars Or the community meals!
Additionally, Nagar Kirtans are organized during the event of Baisakhi. The rally Or the Nagar Kirtans are led by the Panj Pyare Or the beloved five of the Sikh community, followed by the devotees of Guru Gobind Singh. Holy songs and hymns are chanted, followed by offering prayers at the Gurudwaras. Sweets are exchanged between friends and family.
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How Is Baisakhi Celebrated Across India?
Baisakhi has evolved to be an all- India festival. It has emerged as the festival for all Hindus! Baisakhi is also celebrated in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, West Bengal, and Assam as a harvest festival. In Assam, it is celebrated as Rongali Bihu.
In West Bengal, Baisakhi is celebrated as Bengali New Year and people worship Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi to seek their blessings. People dress up in their best traditional clothes and mouth-watering delicacies such as sweets and desserts are also prepared. Dance festivals, music concerts, and fairs are organized on the joyful occasion of Baisakhi. People forget communal differences and immerse themselves in the colorful essence of the festival.
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Conclusion
What happened on Baisakhi is an amalgamation of sacrifice, courage, and patriotism. But, the celebrations have continued for hundreds of years. Baisakhi is a day to celebrate brotherhood and courage! However, Baisakhi 2022 might not be celebrated in its full colors due to the Covid-19 Pandemic restrictions imposed on certain states of India.
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