Every Indian irrespective of his or her religion is familiar with the Spring harvest festival of Vaisakhi. Also spelt as Baisakhi, it is celebrated throughout the country with various names: ‘Rongali Bihu’ in Assam, ‘Naba Barsha’ (First Rain) in West Bengal, ‘Vaishakha’ in Bihar, ‘Vishu’ in Kerala and ‘Puthandu’ in Tamil Nadu. In Punjab, this day is marked as the birthday of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh who formed ‘Khalsa’ on the same date.
Farmers observe Baisakhi as the beginning of a new harvesting season, ‘Vasanta’. Vaisakhi 2024 will be celebrated on 13th April with the utmost joy and enthusiasm all over the country.
Vaisakhi History and Significance
Vaisakhi 2024
Also known as the Sikh New Year, Vaisakhi is observed either on 13th or 14th day of April, every year. Vaisakhi has been celebrated in Punjab for many centuries. According to the Sikh literature, this day marks the birthday of their tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh who chose this day for laying the foundation of Sikh brotherhood, ‘Khalsa’ in the year 1699.
The northern regions of India; mainly Punjab and Haryana, observe this day as an ancient Spring Harvest Festival. Farmers seek blessings from their agricultural land and begin harvesting their first crop of the season. As per the Hindu calendar, this day is observed on the first day of Vaisakh month i.e., April-May, every year.
Vaisakhi 2024 Celebrations across India
Vaisakhi 2024 | Vaisakhi Celebrations across India
As mentioned above, Vaisakhi or Baisakhi is celebrated with various customs all over India. Mainly associated with the Sikh community, this day calls for an occasion to visit Gurudwara where devotees offer their services for preparing a holy feast known as ‘Lungar’ for the society.
On the day of Baisakhi, the air is filled with the rhythmic beats of dhol, the aroma of delicious traditional delicacies, bhangra and gidda dances, and the vibrant colours of festive attire. Major celebrations take place at the Golden Temple in Amritsar where millions of Sikhs and Hindus visit to offer prayers.
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Farmers treat this day as ‘Thanksgiving’; they express gratitude towards the Almighty for the blessing of the harvest and the beginning of a new season. In Bihar, Vaisakhi is observed as a day to honour the Sun God, Surya. People in Kashmir, organize festivities and a ceremonial bath to celebrate Vaisakhi whereas people in Himachal Pradesh, visit the Jwalamukhi Temple to take a holy dip in the natural hot spring.
Rituals of Vaisakhi
The day of Baisakhi begins with devotees visiting gurdwaras, where they participate in special prayers, expressing gratitude for the bountiful harvest and seeking blessings for prosperity and happiness. One of the most iconic rituals of Vaisakhi is the Nagar Kirtan, a colourful procession where the Sikh community comes together, singing Gurbani and Shabads (divine hymns). Additionally, devotees engage in community service by offering free meals, known as langar, to everyone irrespective of caste, creed, or religion, embodying the spirit of equality and compassion.
Best Places to Observe Vaisakhi 2024 Celebration in India
In India, several destinations stand out for their grand Vaisakhi celebrations, offering visitors an immersive experience of the rich Sikh culture and traditions. Some of the popular places to observe Baisakhi 2024 are:
- Amritsar: Amritsar comes alive during the Baisakhi date with the Golden Temple bathed in lights and fervour. The streets resonate with the soul-stirring sounds of ‘Gurbani’ hymns, and the ‘Nagar Kirtan’ procession fills the air with joyous chants and colourful floats. The Golden Temple is illuminated with lights and adorned with festive decorations.
- Anandpur Sahib: The birthplace of the Khalsa Panth, Anandpur Sahib hosts one of the most magnificent Baisakhi celebrations in India. The ‘Holla Mohalla’ festival, featuring mock battles, martial arts displays, and spiritual gatherings, draws thousands of devotees and tourists every year.
- Delhi: In the capital city, Vaisakhi is celebrated with great zeal at Bangla Sahib Gurudwara. Devotees take part in community service by preparing and distributing Kada Prasad and Langar.
Hemkund Sahib, Uttarakhand: Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara holds special significance during Vaisakhi. Devotees trek to reach the gurudwara, where they participate in prayers and seek spiritual solace in the serene surroundings. - Haryana: People gather to mark the onset of the harvest season with traditional folk music, energetic bhangra performances, and mouthwatering feasts.
Other Festivals in India with Holiday Type
| Festivals in India | Day | Date | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Mon | 01-Jan | Restricted Holiday |
| Lohri | Sat | 13-Jan | Restricted Holiday |
| Makar Sankranti | Sun | 14-Jan | Restricted Holiday |
| Pongal | Mon | 15-Jan | Restricted Holiday |
| Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti | Wed | 17-Jan | Restricted Holiday |
| Republic Day | Fri | 26-Jan | Gazetted Holiday |
| Losar | Sat | 10-Feb | Restricted Holiday |
| Basant Panchmi | Wed | 14-Feb | Restricted Holiday |
| Guru Ravidas Jayanti | Sat | 24-Feb | Gazetted Holiday |
| Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti | Wed | 6-Mar | Restricted Holiday |
| Mahashivratri | Fri | 8-Mar | Gazetted Holiday |
| Holi | Mon | 25-March | Gazetted Holiday |
| Good Friday | Fri | 29-Mar | Gazetted Holiday |
| Easter Day | Sun | 31-Mar | Restricted Holiday |
| Gudi Padwa | Tue | 9-Apr | Restricted Holiday |
| Eid-ul-Fitr | Wed | 10-Apr | Gazetted Holiday |
| Vaisakhi (Vishu) | Sat | 13-Apr | Restricted Holiday |
| Rama Navami | Wed | 17-Apr | Gazetted Holiday |
| Mahavir Jayanti | Sun | 21-Apr | Gazetted Holiday |
| Rabindra Jayanti | Wed | 8-May | Restricted Holiday |
| Buddha Purnima (Vesak) | Thu | 23-May | Gazetted Holiday |
| Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) | Mon | 17-Jun | Restricted Holiday |
| Rath Yatra | Sun | 7-Jul | Gazetted Holiday |
| Muharram (Ashura) | Wed | 17-Jul | Gazetted Holiday |
| Independence Day | Thu | 15-Aug | Gazetted Holiday |
| Parsi New Year’s Day (Nauraz) | Thu | 15-Aug | Public Holiday |
| Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) | Mon | 19-Aug | Restricted Holiday |
| Janmashtami | Mon | 26-Aug | Restricted Holiday |
| Ganesh Chaturthi | Sat | 7-Sep | Restricted Holiday |
| Onam | Sun | 15-Sep | Restricted Holiday |
| Milad-un-Nabi or Id-e- Milad | Mon | 16-Sep | Gazetted Holiday |
| Gandhi Jayanti | Wed | 02-Oct | Gazetted Holiday |
| Dussehra | Sat | 12-Oct | Gazetted Holiday |
| Valmiki Jayanti | Thu | 17-Oct | Restricted Holiday |
| Karva Chauth | Sun | 20-Oct | Gazetted Holiday |
| Dhanteras | Tue | 29-Oct | Restricted Holiday |
| Kali Puja | Thu | 31-Oct | Gazetted Holiday |
| Halloween Day | Thu | 31-Oct | No Holiday |
| Diwali | Fri | 1-Nov | Gazetted Holiday |
| Lakshmi Puja | Fri | 1-Nov | Gazetted Holiday |
| Karnataka Rajyotsava | Fri | 1-Nov | Gazetted Holiday |
| Kerala Piravi | Fri | 1-Nov | Gazetted Holiday |
| Govardhan Puja | Sat | 2-Nov | Gazetted Holiday |
| Bhai Dooj | Sun | 3-Nov | Gazetted Holiday |
| Chhath Puja | Thu | 7-Nov | Gazetted Holiday |
| Guru Nanak Jayanti | Fri | 15-Nov | Gazetted Holiday |
| Christmas | Wed | 25-Dec | Public Holiday |
FAQs
Q. When is Baisakhi 2024 date?
A. Baisakhi 2024 will be celebrated on 13th April 2024.
Q. Is Vaisakhi 2024 a public holiday?
A. Vaisakhi 2024 is an optional holiday.
Q. Are Baisakhi 2024 and Lohri 2024 same?
A. Lohri 2024 and Baisakhi 2024 are distinct festivals that both celebrate the advent of the harvest season but in different months.
Q. Which states will celebrate Vaisakhi 2024?
A. Baisakhi 2024 will be majorly celebrated in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.