Baisakhi 2018 Date, History, Significance: How the Punjabi New Year is Celebrated?

The festival observes major events in the history of Sikhism and the Indian subcontinent that happened in the region of Punjab. This year, Baisakhi falls on April 14, 2018.

Representational Image (Photo Credits: Pixabay)

Baisakhi which is popularly known as Vaisakhi in many regions is a festival which is enthusiastically celebrated in the Punjab region. Every year the Sikhs celebrate this festival either on 13 or 14 April as per the Nanakshahi calendar. But given the fact that India is a vastly diverse country, it is rejoiced all across the nation, but with different names. In Assam, people celebrates Bihu, in Tamil Nadu it is Puthandu, in Kerala individuals celebrates Vishu and Bengalis celebrate Pohela Baisakhi. Baisakhi 2018 will be celebrated on April 14, 2018. Being the greatest festivals if the Sikhs, Baisakhi 2018 is renowned with great vitality and enthusiasm.

Baisakhi 2018 is an ancient festival of Punjabis marking the Solar New Year and also celebrating the spring harvest. The festival observes major events in the history of Sikhism and the Indian subcontinent that happened in the region of Punjab. Happy Baisakhi 2018: GIF Images, Greetings, WhatsApp Messages, & SMSes To Wish on Punjabi New Year

Baisakhi 2018 Date: According to English calendar, the date of Baisakhi corresponds to April 13 every year and April 14 once in every 36 years. This year, Baisakhi falls on April 14, 2018.

Representational Image (Photo Credits: @TraveasyIN/ Twitter)

Baisakhi 2018 History and Significance: Both Hindu and Sikh communities in Punjab have their own beliefs about the festival. The significance of Baisakhi 2018 traces to the birth of Sikh order that started after the persecution and execution of Guru Tegh Bahadur for refusing to convert into Islam under the orders of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. This triggered the coronation of the tenth Guru of Sikhism and the historic formation of Khalsa, both on the Baisakhi day. It was also the day when colonial British empire officials committed the Jallianwala Bagh massacre on a gathering that still horrifies us. Baisakhi is also significant for the farmers as it officially heralds the harvest season. The fact that the year’s Rabi crops are ready to be harvested in a matter of great joy as it symbolises that the year has ended on a joyous note. This eco-cultural importance of Baisakhi is relevant to all farmers irrespective of the religion they follow.

How the Punjabi New Year is Celebrated?

As Baisakhi is also known as the harvest festival, the primary celebration includes a tradition called ‘Awat Pauni’. The tradition revolves around harvesting the crops where people come together and harvest the crops on the beat of dhol (drums). Individuals also sing traditional songs and dohas and engage themselves in the traditional folk dance, Bhangra or Giddha.

The festival is celebrated with a lot of fervour and vigour. The city of Punjab will adorn a lively look with colourful flags and flowers. The day starts early as everyone takes bath, wear new clothes and visit the neighbourhood Gurudwara where they offer special offers. The Golden Temple in Amritsar witnesses the largest number of devotees on this day.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 12, 2018 05:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

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