Posted by You may know Baisakhi as a harvest festival, but for Sikhs, throughout, the world this day holds special significance. Baisakhi initiates the Sikh New Year holding religious and historical importance in the Sikh community all over the world. This day marks the foundation of Khalsa Panth with ceremonial baths, grand public processions, fairs, and other rituals as the highlights of the day. Although Baisakhi celebrations are public affairs, the underlying notion is to express gratitude towards God for a successful harvest season as well as paying tribute to the founders in the Sikh community whose efforts paid off with a thriving Sikh community all over the world. You too can celebrate Baisakhi with these handpicked Baisakhi celebrations ideas in which everyone can participate with gusto and enthusiasm. It doesn’t matter if you are a traditional Sikh, Baisakhi is a harvest festival that is celebrated on a pan Indian level although with different names to let the spirit of harmony and happiness engulf everybody in its wake.
1. Baisakhi Gifts
Gifts are irrevocably a mandatory part of every occasion no matter what or where you are celebrating and Baisakhi gifts are no exception. These gifts are meant to strengthen bonds and show appreciation for your loved ones leaving no stone unturned to return the favor to your loved ones. Whether you are 16 hours away in USA and Canada or at a 5 minute distance from your loved ones Baisakhi gifts online can be sent to any part of the country with online gifting sites and stores even at the eleventh hour. The predominantly traditional Baisakhi gifts include sweets like Tili Gajak, Dry Fruit Kheer, and Peele Chawal, etc. These sweets along with fruits and dry fruits can be given out to your friends and family in decorated boxes and baskets to keep the spirit of the season alive and your relations alive and thriving.
2. Dance Battles
The most fun Baisakhi celebration idea of all is dance battles which are quite a common practice in Punjab and elsewhere its celebrated. Both male and female can participate in the traditional Punjabi Bhangra and Gidda dances. Covered in brightly colored attire and dancing to the steady and fast-paced rhythm of dilapidated drums these dancers are a sight to behold. Immerse yourself in the joyous environment by taking part in such dances or organizing one in your locality in the spirit of the season with this fun Baisakhi celebration idea.
3. Langar and Karah Prasad
India is a land of festivals, spices, and sweets. This obsession with food is channeled through benevolent causes like Langar and food stalls where free of cost food is handed out to people from all walks of life. These langars are done in the name of piety and meant to be your good deed of the day. If you think that the whole thing is expensive on its own you can just partner with friends, family, and neighbors with potluck lunches. Also, don’t forget the traditional Karah Prasad which also has a religious significance. This sweet concoction handed out in gurudwaras may not make it to your Langar’s menu but you can substitute it with sweets from local shops or have it delivered by online sweet delivery to anywhere you want to.
4. Fabulous Fairs
Baisakhi is a community festival where your society is a part of the crew to spread the harmony and love that marks the occasion. Baisakhi fairs are the highlight of every celebration. These traditional gathering events comprise of fun games and crafts where you can showcase your talent and buy knickknacks. It’s easy to find such fairs in every nook and cranny on Baisakhi and participate headlong in the fun. However, when you are away from your loved ones on this special occasion of Baisakhi, then personalized gifts online are the one thing which will transport them to those carnivalesque memories and atmosphere.
5. A Typical Rural Baisakhi
Baisakhi is a typical harvest festival and Baisakhi celebrations in rural India remains unparalleled in any other parts of India. Farmers and village folks celebrate this festival with great zeal with bonfires and folk dances, mock duels and plays and good food circulated around. For a typical Baisakhi experience, plan a day out in rural Punjab among the fields in the heart of Punjab and get wooed by these traditions and celebrations.
6. Ceremonial Baths in Local Gurudwaras
As this day holds special significance for Sikhs, gurudwaras both local and prominent ones are huge attractions where rituals and ceremonial baths are followed by daily prayers. Anybody can take part in these celebrations and ritualistic practices to feel one with God and experience the tranquility which pervades the environment. The Golden Temple at Amritsar and many other important religious and historical places related to Sikh are decked with lights and flags, dazzling the onlookers throughout the night.
7. Participate in Nagar Kirtan
Nagar Kirtan or ceremonial processions in the Sikh community with Panj Payaras or people dressed in colorful robes as the five main leaders of Sikh create quite a stir. With chants and songs constantly being uttered and palanquins carrying the Guru Granth Sahib, these processions are the climax of Baisakhi celebrations and celebrated with great joy and happiness.