The Spring harvest festival Vaisakhi, also spelt as Baisakhi, is celebrated throughout the country with various names: like ‘Rongali Bihu’ in Assam, ‘Naba Barsha’ (First Rain) in West Bengal, ‘Vaishakha’ in Bihar, ‘Vishu’ in Kerala and ‘Puthandu’ in Tamil Nadu.
In Punjab, this day is marked as the birthday of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh who formed ‘Khalsa’ on the same date. Also known as the Sikh New Year, Vaisakhi is observed either on 13th or 14th day of April every year and celebrated with the utmost joy and enthusiasm all over the country.
Farmers treat this day as ‘Thanksgiving’; they express gratitude towards the Almighty for the blessing of the harvest and beginning of a new season. In Bihar, Vaisakhi is observed as a day to honour the Sun God, Surya. People in Kashmir, organize festivities and a ceremonial bath for celebrating Vaisakhi whereas people in Himachal Pradesh, visit the Jwalamukhi Temple for taking a holy dip in the natural hot spring.
May divine blessings shower and bring new hope, new joy and cheer. Warm greetings and best wishes to all on this joyous Vaisakhi.