Baisakhi is the Sikhi New Year celebration that takes place on April 13 or 14.The spring harvest festival is when Sikhs celebrate the abundance of crops and pray for good fortune.The birthplace of Sikhism, Punjab, India, hosts the biggest celebrations that include feasts, parades, prayers, and plenty of socializing.Baisakhi is celebrated by many Sikh communities around the world, even if you are not in India.
Step 1: Red, orange, and yellow are the colors of your decor.
Baisakhi is celebrated with vibrant colors and these three carry the most meaning.Hang yellow curtains, place bright red pillows on the couch, or put an orange rug in the hallway.The official colors of Sikhism are orange and yellow.They show the sacrifice the original disciples made for their beliefs.
Step 2: Colored powder is used to draw a rangoli design at the entrance to your house.
Good fortune enters your home with these drawings.You can spread the rangoli powder in a pretty design by sweeping the porch or entryway.In addition to the powder, you can use chalk, colored rice, sand, flour, or even petals.A rangalith is a symmetrical, geometric design with a variety of curves, lines and shapes.You can make your rangoli any way you want.Buy rangoli powder from specialty Indian stores, online from retailers like Amazon, or in stores like Walmart.
Step 3: There are flower garlands around the house.
As a sign of respect to guests and higher beings, flowers, particularly garlands, are a huge part of Indian culture.garlands are given to guests in India.Above the door to your house is a good place to hang the garlands.
Step 4: Take a bath in a pond or river when you wake up.
In honor of the Goddess Ganga, people in India will bathe in the holy Ganges River.Baisakhi is believed to be the day when the goddess came down to Earth.Baisakhi is a popular day for new Sikhs to bebaptized as it's a holiday centered around brotherhood.You can bathe in your own tub if you don't have access to a pond or river.You are starting fresh by rinsing off your sins.
Step 5: Wear orange or yellow clothing that hasn't been worn before.
The start of a new year is marked by putting on brand new clothes after you bathe.Both rebirth and celebration can be seen in orange and yellow.A bright yellow symbolizes the harvest of golden wheat.
Step 6: Thank God for an abundant harvest.
The Gurdwara is any place of worship that the Sikh holy book is kept in.Sikhs ask for good luck and prosperity when praying during Baisakhi.The holy book is placed on a throne during the prayers.
Step 7: At the end of your prayer, use langar.
Langar means the common kitchen in a Gurdwara where food is free for all visitors.All people, regardless of their religious beliefs, can eat vegetarian food at the Langar.The Sikh version of American Thanksgiving has all of the delicious crops that were grown in the recent season.The volunteers at the temple serve traditional Punjabi cuisine like makki di roti (a cornmeal flatbread), saag, and vegetarian curry.No matter your race, religion, or caste, they will serve you.
Step 8: Help harvest wheat.
Everyone goes to the fields to help the farmers.Men, women, and children are included.People are singing dohas and folk songs while the drums beat in the background.
Step 9: The Golden Temple is where Khalsa was founded.
The sect of Sikhism known as Khalsa is a pure one.Most Sikhs want to travel to the Golden Temple in Amritsar.They consider it to be their religion's most sacred place.Water from India's holiest rivers is poured into the pools surrounding the Golden Temple during Baisakhi.The water is thought to have miraculous powers and visitors are allowed to take a dip in it.
Step 10: There is a Nagar Kirtan parade.
Senior Sikhs in traditional dress represent the original Panj Piaras, who were the first disciples of the Sikh's Khalsa Panth.There will be dhol drummers, dancers, and floats with people singing from the Sikh holy book.If you are lucky, you can see a mock duel or performers doing gatka, the Sikh martial art.
Step 11: After the parade, watch the bhangra and gidda dances.
Folk dances are performed in groups with dhol drums.The bhangra is performed by men and the gidda by women.The dancers are standing in a circle.When they perform a short verse, they rotation into the center.Standers are allowed to enter the dance circle if they would like.Bhangra dances can last for hours because of the constant rotation.
Step 12: Folk music, dancing, crafts, food, and more can be found at the Baisakhi Fair.
One of the highlights of Baisakhi Mela is the lively events.While browsing the vendors selling knick-knacks and delicious Indian food, listen to the sounds of traditional instruments like vanjli and algoza.There are many exciting performances from races to wrestling to acrobatics.
Step 13: Gifts can be exchanged with friends and family.
Baisakhi is a place where Sikhs spend a lot of time with their loved ones and often give gifts to each other.These gifts often include a box of laddoos, which are tiny treats made with flour, dried fruit and nuts.