Baisakhi,
celebrated with joyous music and dancing, is New Year's Day in Punjab.
It falls on April 13, though once in 36 years it occurs on 14th
April. It was on this day that the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind
Singh, founded the Khalsa (the Sikh brotherhood) in 1699. The Sikhs,
therefore, celebrate this festival as a collective birthday.
Baisakhi (Punjab)
Is celebrated in Punjab with great fervour. It was on this day
that Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa (Sikh brotherhood).
The holy book of the Sikhs, Granth Sahib is taken in a procession,
led by the Panj Pyaras (five senior Sikhs) who are symbolic of
the original leaders. The occasion is marked by lot of feasting
and merry making. All night revelries termed Baisakhi di Raat
(Night of feasting) or Baisakhi da Mela (Baisakhi Fairs) are held,
where men and women dance to the rhythmic beat of drums. In Kerala
the festival is known as Vishu. A display of grain, fruits, flowers,
gold, new cloth and money, is viewed early in the morning to ensure
a prosperous year ahead. Known as Rangoli Bihu in Assam, the festival
is celebrated with lively dances, music and feasting.
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