Vaisaki also known as Baisakhi is both a religious and a harvest festival celebrated in the Northern Parts of India especially prominent in the parts of Punjab and Haryana. It is called Basoa among the Dogra community people who are Indo-Aryan ethnolinguistics living in the parts of Jammu and Kashmir. It also marks the first day of the Indian Solar New Year.
History traces back to 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last human Sikh Guru created Khalsa (pure) a community of trained warriors who believe in the Sikh faith and wore the symbols of their faith. Guru Gobind Singh transformed a family of soldier saints at Anandpur Sahib by baptizing them with Holy Water (Amrit). The five soldier saints who got baptized by him are called Beloved Five (Panj Piare). Sikhs celebrate Vaisaki with great enthusiasm. Celebrations during this day include decorating Gudwaras, parades, dancing, and singing. Sikhs get baptized and join the Khalsa Panth on this day.
Vaisaki is also celebrated by Hindus and other community people in India. It is known by various names across India according to regional languages and beliefs. Odisha people celebrate Pana Sankranti, Tamilians - Puthandu, Malayalees - Vishu, Pohela Boishakh is celebrated in West Bengal, and Bohag Bihu in Assam. Hindu beliefs state that River Goddess Ganga descended on Earth from Heaven on this day. Haridwar, an important Hindu pilgrimage holds one of the largest and grandest fairs during Vaisaki. Pilgrims crowd in Haridwar during Vaisaki to take a dip in River Ganga followed by a mandatory charity event.
Vaisaki is a harvest festival observed by farmers at the beginning of the harvest season. Since India is right in its agricultural wealth Vaisaki is celebrated with joy and pride. Vaisaki is a day dedicated to all the farmers who work and toil hard to provide food. With Astrological reference, Vaisaki is also known as Mesha Sankranti, an auspicious day when Plant Sun moves from Pisces to Aries. Devotees on this day visit Holy places and offer special prayers to the Sun. A few even conduct Pitra puja for their ancestors.
Team Cazy Creatives wishes IFians a very Happy Vaisaki!
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