Baisakhi is a harvest festival that is celebrated mainly in the northern Indian state of Punjab and also by Sikh communities around the world. It falls on the first day of the month of Vaisakh in the traditional Indian solar calendar, which usually falls on April 13th or 14th.
Happy Baisakhi
Baisakhi has both religious and cultural significance for Sikhs. It marks the anniversary of the formation of the Khalsa Panth, a community of devout Sikhs, by the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, in 1699. It is also a celebration of the spring harvest, when farmers offer thanks to God for the bountiful crop and pray for a good crop in the future.
The celebrations typically begin with early morning processions called Nagar Kirtans, in which devotees walk through the streets singing hymns and carrying the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib. The processions are led by five Sikhs, called the Panj Pyare, dressed in traditional attire, who carry the Sikh flag, known as the Nishan Sahib.
After the Nagar Kirtan, a special prayer meeting is held at the gurdwara, the Sikh place of worship, where the Guru Granth Sahib is read and hymns are sung. This is followed by a community meal called langar, in which everyone, regardless of caste, creed or religion, is served food as a symbol of equality and communal harmony.
The festivities also include music and dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, and traditional sports such as wrestling and Kabaddi. Many people also decorate their homes with flowers and participate in traditional games and activities.
People visit gurudwaras, perform Bhangra dance, and enjoy traditional Punjabi food like sarson ka saag and makki di roti.
Makki di Roti and Sarson ka Saag SourceSweet Punjabi Lassi – Source
Here are some traditional dishes that are commonly prepared to celebrate Baisakhi:
Sarson Ka Saag and Makki Ki Roti: This is a popular dish in Punjab, made with mustard greens and cornmeal flatbread. It is a staple dish during the winter season and is commonly eaten during Baisakhi.
Chole Bhature: This is a popular dish made with spicy chickpeas and fried bread called Bhature. It is a favorite dish among Punjabis and is often served at Baisakhi fairs.
Paneer Tikka: Paneer Tikka is a popular appetizer made with marinated cottage cheese, vegetables, and spices. It is often served as a snack during Baisakhi celebrations.
Kulfi: Kulfi is a popular frozen dessert made with condensed milk, cream, and flavors like pistachio or saffron. It is a traditional dessert served during Baisakhi.
Lassi: Lassi is a refreshing drink made with yogurt, water, and sugar. It is a popular drink in Punjab and is often served during Baisakhi.
Ugadi is a popular festival celebrated in the South Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka.
The word “Ugadi” is derived from two Sanskrit words “Yuga” meaning era or age, and “Adi” meaning beginning.
Ugadi marks the beginning of a new era or a new year, and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor.
The word “Ugadi” is derived from two Sanskrit words “Yuga” meaning era or age, and “Adi” meaning beginning.
When is this and other new year festivals celebrated in India?
Ugadi is celebrated on the first day of the Hindu lunar calendar month of Chaitra (March-April), which marks the beginning of the New Year according to the Hindu calendar.
So the date depends on a different cycle and can fall on different dates in the calendar. There is a resource which has the dates of ALL the holidays around n the world and the current dates.
It is believed that Lord Brahma, the Hindu god of creation, started the creation of the universe on this day.They also offer prayers to Lord Brahma, and seek his blessings for a happy and prosperous new year.
Rangoli – or decorative designsUgadi Pachadi – Source
People prepare special dishes like Ugadi pachadi (a mixture of six different tastes -to remind us of the qualities of LIFE itself – sweet, sour, salty, bitter, spicy, and tangy), pulihora (tamarind rice), bobbatlu (sweet stuffed bread), and other traditional delicacies.
Pulohora – Tamarind Rice SourceBobbatlu or Puran Poli – Source
People also exchange gifts and sweets with each other and visit temples to offer their prayers.
The significance of Ugadi festival is both religious and cultural.
It marks the beginning of a new year and is considered an auspicious day to start new ventures and make important decisions.
It also signifies the onset of spring and the harvest season, and people pray for a good crop and prosperity. On the religious front, the festival marks the beginning of the Vasant ritu (spring season) and is considered an auspicious time to start new ventures, such as business, education, and marriage.
In Karnataka, Ugadi is also known as “Yugadi” and it holds great significance in the state’s cultural and traditional heritage. On this day, people clean their houses and decorate them with fresh flowers and mango leaves, which are considered auspicious.
Bevu Bella prepared in Karnataka for Yugadi – Source
In some parts of Karnataka, people also perform the ritual of “Panchanga Shravana” where they listen to the predictions for the upcoming year according to the Hindu lunar calendar. The predictions are based on astrological calculations and are believed to give an insight into the future.
Panchangam is an astrological almanac used in South India to calculate auspicious timings and events according to the Hindu lunar calendar. (In the north it’s called Panchang)
Panchangam is closely related to the study of astronomical positions of stars, constellations, and planets. It is based on the positions of the moon and other planets in the solar system, as well as the 27 constellations or Nakshatras that the moon travels through during its revolution cycle around the earth.
The calculation of the Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karana, and Var (Panchangam means five limbs in Sanskrit) are all based on the positions of the moon, sun, and other celestial bodies in the solar system.
Read More about Panchangam
Let’s take a look at the five parts of the Panchangam in more detail:
Tithi – A Tithi is a lunar day, which is calculated based on the position of the moon in relation to the sun. There are 30 Tithis in a lunar month, each lasting for approximately 24 hours. The Tithi is used to determine auspicious and inauspicious timings for various events, such as weddings, business deals, and other important activities.
Nakshatra – The Nakshatras are the 27 constellations that the moon travels through during its cycle. Each Nakshatra is associated with a specific set of characteristics and is believed to have a particular impact on human life. The Nakshatra is used to determine the most auspicious time for starting a new venture or undertaking a new project.
Yoga – The Yoga is the combination of the positions of the sun and the moon, and it is used to determine the auspicious and inauspicious timings for various activities, such as traveling, starting a new job, or buying a new home.
Karana – The Karana is a half Tithi, which is used to determine the most auspicious time for certain activities, such as cutting hair, trimming nails, and other personal grooming activities.
Var – The Var refers to the day of the week and is used to determine the auspicious and inauspicious timings for various activities, such as starting a new business, getting married, or signing a new contract.
The Panchangam is used by astrologers, priests, and individuals to determine the most auspicious timings for various activities and events in their lives. For example, if someone is planning to start a new business, they may consult the Panchangam to determine the most auspicious date and time for launching their venture.
It takes into account the day, time, and location to create a personalized calendar for a specific region or individual.
Another popular tradition on Ugadi in Karnataka is the “Huli Vesha” or the Tiger Dance, where people dress up in tiger costumes and dance to the beats of drums and other musical instruments.
Huli Vesha – Men dressed as Tigers (Huli) do the dance Source
The dance is believed to bring prosperity and good luck to the community.
Festive Traditional Vegetarian South Indian meal served on a banana leaf – Source
In Karnataka it’s celebrated on the same day as in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
