Baisakhi is known as 'Naba Barsha' (new year) in Bengal. After a ritual bath on 13th April, in the Ganga, people decorate their houses with rangoli which are beautifully done up floral patterns made of rice powder. In the beautiful hills of Himachal, people gather at the Goddess Jwalamukhi temple and take a dip in the hot springs. They later offer their prayers to Goddess Jwalamukhi.

In Bihar, Baisakhi is celebrated twice first in Vaishaka(April) and then in Kartika(November). It is held in the honor of Sun God in Surajpur-Baragaon. People bath in the temple tank and pay their respect to the Sun God and offer water from the Ganga.

In the state of Assam Baisakhi is known and celebrated as 'Rongali Bihu'. It is the commencement of the Assamese New Year and the first day of the Hindu calendar. 'Goru bihu' is how it is known on the first day of this festival where the cow is washed and worshipped.

This is how Baisakhi is celebrated in various states all over the country. It is not a festival restricted to Punjab but it definitely is one of the most important festivals of Punjab. It is celebrated with a lot of excitement and happiness.

This festival actually marks the time for harvest for rabi crops and it is celebrated in Punjab by performing joyful Bhangra and Gidda dance. In 1699 Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru on this very day introduced the Panth Khalsa which is the Order of the Pure Ones. So, Baisakhi has a lot of religious significance for the Sikhs.

Baisakhi date:

According to the Nanakshahi which is the Sikh calendar, baisakhi falls on the first day of the month Vaisakh that is April-May. But if we take the English calendar into consideration then Baisakhi falls on 13th April every year and 14th April once in thirty-six years. And this difference in dates is because the Baisakhi date is considered according to the solar calendar and not the lunar one.

Celebrating Baisakhi

Major activities of the Baisakhi festival are organized in a Gurudwara as this festival carries a lot of importance in the Sikh religion. The day starts very early for the people who look forward to the day long celebrations. They visit the gurudwara where a special prayer meeting is organized. After the ardas people get the specially prepared sweet semolina known as Kara Prasad and then have the Guru ka Langar.

After the Guru ka Langar a procession is taken out with the Panj Piaras leading it. The procession covers the major localities of the city where men and women sing and dance. Bhangra and Gidaa add color to this procession.

Farmers Celebrate

Baisakhi is also the day when farmers pray for good and happy times and thank god for the abundant harvest. People wear nice, bright and new clothes. It is also considered as the New Year in Punjab and Harayana so it is celebrated with dancing and singing and by enjoying the good food. Gifts are also exchanged on this auspious festival. These gifts are nothing but a token of love, trust and brotherhood.