What is Baisakhi?
Baisakhi, or Vaisakhi, is celebrated on 13 or 14 April and marks the solar new year and the harvest of the rabi crop, especially wheat, in Punjab and Haryana. For farmers it is a day of thanksgiving after months of hard work.
Founding of the Khalsa
For Sikhs, Vaisakhi is one of the most important days of the year. On Vaisakhi in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Ji founded the Khalsa Panth at Anandpur Sahib. Gurdwaras hold special prayers and kirtan, and Nagar Kirtan processions fill the streets.
Dhol, bhangra and melas
People wear bright clothes, visit gurdwaras and fairs, and dance bhangra and gidda to the beat of the dhol. The same day is celebrated as the new year in many other states, including Bohag Bihu in Assam, Vishu in Kerala and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu.