Baisakhi 2024 Date: When is Baisakhi in the year 2024?

Get ready to don your colourful attire and join in the vibrant festivities because Baisakhi – the joyous harvest festival and Sikh New Year is here! Baisakhi is observed in Punjab and other regions of North India on April 13, honouring the founding of the Khalsa Panth in 1699 under the guidance of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. On this day, Hindus commemorate Goddess Ganga’s entry onto Earth. By the Ganga River’s banks, worshippers congregate in her honour to take a sacred plunge. When the rabi crops are harvested in Punjab on Baisakhi, farmers honour God by giving thanks for a bountiful harvest, which is a sign of wealth.

When Baisakhi/Vaisakhi will be Celebrated in 2024

Baisakhi 2024 Overview

Baisakhi, which is not only a harvest festival celebrated in the spring but also a day set aside to remember the founding of the Khalsa Panth of soldiers under Guru Gobind Singh in 1699, is known as the Sikh New Year. It is observed on April 13 every year and April 14 every 36 years. 

The Hindu calendar month of Vaishakh is where the word ‘Baisakhi’ originates. In the Hindu calendar, it is the second month after Chaitra that concludes with Falgun or Fagun. In the northern region of India, it is now harvest time, and farmers are getting ready to seed for the following season.

Significance of Baisakhi

The Khalsa Sikh order was established on Baisakhi, and when Guru Teg Bahadur refused to convert to Islam, Mughal emperor Aurangzeb pursued him and had him beheaded. After these occurrences, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, founded the Panth Khalsa in 1699 by baptising Sikh warriors to protect religious freedom.

This festival is observed throughout Punjab and other regions of North India. In the early hours of the morning, a number of Nagar Kirtan processions, lead by five Khalsas costumed as Panj Pyare, walk through the streets.

Sikhs honour Guru Gobind Singh, their tenth guru, on this day. He established the Khalsa order created the Khalsa by initiating the first five members and giving them a unique identity marked by the five Ks – Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (a wooden comb), Kara (an iron bracelet), Kachera (a specific undergarment), and Kirpan (a sword). 

Rituals and Celebration of Baisakhi

On this auspicious day, people dress festively, prepare and share a variety of delicious and traditional dishes with their family, friends, and community.

One of the most popular dishes associated with Vaisakhi is ‘langar,’ a communal meal served in gurdwaras. Langar is a symbol of equality, where people from all walks of life sit together and share a meal irrespective of their caste, creed, or social status. The meal typically includes dal (lentil soup), sabzi (vegetable dish), roti (bread), and kheer (sweet rice pudding).

The processions of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikhs’ sacred text, known as agar Kirtan. Devotees lead this devotional procession while reciting or singing sacred songs. The Panj Pyare, who make up the core of the Khalsa and are usually clothed in saffron, always lead the march. The Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikhs’ holy book, and other participants in the procession follow them. Volunteers called sewadars assist in preparing the road through which the procession will pass. At the appointed Gurudwara, when Ardas, or the prayer, is offered, the procession finally arrives.

How Baisakhi Is Celebrated In India?

After the crops are harvested, Punjabi villagers truly enjoy themselves. Several people gather for Baisakhi dinners in Anandpur Sahib, the Khalsa’s birthplace. People frequently bring their family to gurdwaras in urban areas. The only people that visit the gurudwaras with their families and friends to partake in the cuisine and holy baths are Sikhs. There, people of other faiths go to perform similar activities.

Prior to visiting their local Gurdwaras as part of the festival, Sikhs travel and take a bath in lakes or rivers. On this day, there are also neighbourhood fairs, nagar kirtan procession activities, and get-togethers for socialising and feasting. For Hindus, this is an opportunity to bathe in holy rivers like the Ganges, the Jhelum, or the Kaveri, visit temples, socialise with friends, and consume traditional meals and beverages.

Baisakhi in the Public Eye

For Sikhs, Baisakhi is a very special day. According to the Nanakshahi calendar, it is the occasion to celebrate the ‘New Year.’ Colleges and schools must be closed on the celebration day. Also, all Sikh-owned businesses must remain closed or operate with shortened hours. Public transportation is unaffected by the festival. The public transportation timetable may be impacted by festival events.

Best Places To Celebrate Baisakhi 2024

Vaisakhi is celebrated with all the oomph and excitement all over India but there are some specific places where this festival is celebrated with unmatched gist and energy:

Amritsar

Visit the city of Amritsar if you’re looking for the ideal site to celebrate Vaisakhi in 2024. In fact, thousands of Sikhs travel there each year. Guru Gobind Singh, the city’s Golden Temple’s tenth Sikh guru, established the Khalsa at this location. On this day, visitors offer special prayers.

Delhi

The day is celebrated with a variety of events in Delhi, the capital of India. Many others from all over the country also go there. To offer special prayers and to exchange holiday pleasantries, people congregate at gurudwaras. Vaisakhi festivities are also organised in Delhi. Think about this location as well.

Punjab

Consider travelling to Punjab around Vaisakhi 2024 if you want to experience the authentic festivities. The state hosts singing and dancing concerts, similar to Delhi. Restaurants are supplying the festival food. The state must be visited.

Haryana

Every year, a sizable mela is held in Haryana. To participate in the well-known Vaisakhi mela, many people travel to this state. Moreover, a number of competitions are held for students. Adult singing and dancing contests are held in the evening.

Chandigarh

One of the most popular tourist locations during this event is Chandigarh. Visitors to the city go to gurudwaras to pray to God. They can take advantage of evening singing and dancing performances, much like Haryana.

Jalandhar

Vaisakhi is celebrated in Jalandhar in a beautiful way. The primary entertainment during the main event is the folk dancing performed by both men and women.

2024 Baisakhi Celebration ideas at Home, Work and School

Vaisakhi is a significant festival for Sikhs and is also celebrated by people from other communities. It marks the Sikh New Year and commemorates the establishment of the Khalsa, which is the Sikh community of soldiers.

Ways to celebrate Baisakhi in your home 2024

1. Decorate your home: You can decorate your home with colourful decorations, such as flowers, balloons, and ribbons, to mark the occasion.
2. Prepare traditional food: Prepare traditional food like paratha, lassi, chole bhature, and halwa for your family and friends. You can also make offerings to the Guru Granth Sahib, which is the Sikh holy book.
3. Listen to Kirtan: You can listen to Kirtan, which is devotional music that is played in Gurudwaras (Sikh temples). You can stream Kirtan online or play it on a music player.
4. Learn about Sikhism: You can read about the history and significance of Vaisakhi and Sikhism. You can also watch documentaries or videos that explain the traditions and rituals of the Sikh community

Ways to celebrate Baisakhi 2024 in an office

1. Decorate the office: You can decorate the office with colourful decorations, such as flowers, balloons, and ribbons, to mark the occasion. You can also put up posters or banners that explain the history and significance of Vaisakhi.
2. Organise a traditional food potluck: You can organise a potluck where everyone brings in traditional food like paratha, lassi, chole bhature, and halwa. This is a great way for everyone to try new dishes and learn about different cultures.
3. Organise a cultural program: You can organise a cultural program that showcases traditional music, dance, or other forms of art. You can invite a local Sikh group to perform or ask your colleagues to showcase their talents.
4. Display Sikh literature: You can display books, pamphlets, or other literature that explains the traditions and beliefs of Sikhism. This is a great way to educate your colleagues about Sikhism and its importance.

Ways to celebrate Baisakhi 2024 in school

1. Decorate the school: You can decorate the school with colourful decorations, such as flowers, balloons, and ribbons, to mark the occasion. You can also put up posters or banners that explain the history and significance of Vaisakhi.
2. Organise a traditional food festival: You can organise a food festival where everyone brings in traditional food like paratha, lassi, chole bhature, and halwa. This is a great way for everyone to try new dishes and learn about different cultures.
3. Invite a Sikh speaker: You can invite a Sikh speaker to come to your school and give a talk about the history and significance of Vaisakhi and Sikhism. This is a great way for everyone to learn about a new culture.
4. Organise a cultural program: You can organise a cultural program that showcases traditional music, dance, or other forms of art. You can invite a local Sikh group to perform or ask your classmates to showcase their talents.

Baisakhi is not just a religious festival; it is a celebration of life and all that it has to offer. So, come join in the festivities, dance to the beats of the dhol, savour the delicious food, and immerse yourself in the colourful and vibrant culture of Punjab. Happy Baisakhi!