Two celebrations in one
Vaisakhi (Baisakhi) falls on the first day of the month of Vaisakh, in mid-April. It carries two meanings at once:
The harvest. In Punjab and across North India, Vaisakhi celebrates the harvest of the rabi crop, especially wheat. Farmers give thanks, fairs (melas) are held, and bhangra and gidda fill the fields and villages.
The Khalsa. For Sikhs, Vaisakhi is Khalsa Sajna Diwas, the day in 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru, gathered the sangat at Anandpur Sahib and founded the Khalsa. The first five to offer their heads, the Panj Pyare, were initiated with amrit, and the Khalsa was given its identity and code of conduct.
The same season brings new years in many parts of India: Pohela Boishakh in Bengal, Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, Vishu in Kerala, Bohag Bihu in Assam and Pana Sankranti in Odisha, all marking the Sun’s entry into Mesha. See Sankranti and solar months.
How it is observed
- Gurdwara visits, kirtan and ardas; many choose Vaisakhi to take amrit.
- Nagar Kirtan processions led by the Panj Pyare.
- Langar open to all.
- Melas and festivities, with bhangra, gidda and Punjabi food.
- Special gatherings at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo (Damdama Sahib).
How the date is set
Vaisakhi is the first day of Vaisakh. In the original 2003 Nanakshahi calendar, that’s fixed on 14 April. Under the SGPC method, months follow Bikrami solar reckoning, so 1 Vaisakh follows the Sun’s entry into Mesha, which currently falls on 13 or 14 April. In most years the two agree or differ by a day. See the two versions compared.
How OIOA helps
- The Sikh/Punjabi Home screen shows the Nanakshahi calendar in your version.
- Holidays show where Vaisakhi is a holiday and whether it makes a long weekend.
- Reminders and cards for the day.
Wishing someone
“Vaisakhi diyan lakh lakh vadhaiyan”, or “Happy Vaisakhi”.