When is Vaisakhi (Baisakhi)

What is Vaisakhi (Baisakhi), and Who Celebrates It?

Vaisakhi, also known as Baisakhi, is a special festival celebrated in India, mainly by Sikhs and Hindus. It marks the beginning of the harvest season in Punjab and is also the Sikh New Year. For Sikhs, this day is extremely important because, in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Ji formed the Khalsa, a group of devoted Sikhs who follow strict religious traditions.

Hindus also celebrate Vaisakhi as a harvest festival, thanking God for a good crop and praying for prosperity. In different parts of India, Vaisakhi is celebrated under other names, such as Pohela Boishakh in Bengal and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu.

When is Vaisakhi in 2025?

Vaisakhi usually falls on April 13 or 14 each year, depending on the Indian calendar. In 2025, it will be celebrated on Monday, April 14.

The History of Vaisakhi

For centuries, Vaisakhi has been a harvest festival, marking the time when farmers in Punjab begin collecting their crops. However, in 1699, this festival became even more meaningful for Sikhs. On this day, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, gathered thousands of Sikhs and introduced the Khalsa – a group of committed Sikhs who vowed to protect their faith and stand up for justice.

The Khalsa followed five special rules and wore five symbols of their faith, known as the Five Ks:

• Kesh – Keeping uncut hair
• Kara – Wearing a steel bracelet
• Kanga – Carrying a wooden comb
• Kachera – Wearing cotton undergarments
• Kirpan – Carrying a ceremonial sword

Because of this event, Vaisakhi is not just a cultural festival but also an important religious day for Sikhs.

How is Vaisakhi Celebrated?

Vaisakhi is a day of happiness, prayer, and community gatherings. People celebrate in different ways, including visiting temples, sharing food, and enjoying music and dance.

1. Visiting Gurdwaras and Special Prayers

On Vaisakhi morning, many Sikhs visit Gurdwaras (Sikh temples) for prayers. The Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy book) is read, and religious hymns are sung. Some Gurdwaras also organize Nagar Kirtan, a parade where Sikhs walk through the streets, singing hymns and sharing messages of peace and unity.

2. Free Community Meals (Langar)

A big part of Vaisakhi celebrations is Langar, a free meal served in Gurdwaras. Everyone, regardless of religion or background, is welcome to eat. Volunteers cook and serve food, following the Sikh values of equality and selfless service.

3. Fairs, Music, and Dance

In Punjab and other places in India, Vaisakhi is celebrated with fairs, music, and traditional dances like Bhangra and Gidda. Farmers rejoice as they prepare to harvest their crops. People wear colorful clothes, enjoy sweets, and participate in fun activities like kite flying, wrestling competitions, and folk singing.

4. Bathing in Holy Rivers

Many Hindus wake up early on Vaisakhi morning and take a dip in sacred rivers like the Ganges. This is believed to wash away sins and bring good luck. They then visit temples and pray for happiness and prosperity.

5. Vaisakhi Celebrations in Canada and Other Countries

Vaisakhi is not just celebrated in India. In countries like Canada, the UK, the US, and Australia, where large Sikh communities live, the festival is observed with great enthusiasm. Cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Surrey host huge Nagar Kirtan processions, attracting thousands of people. These events include prayer gatherings, community meals, and cultural performances, making Vaisakhi one of the largest Sikh celebrations outside India.

Why is Vaisakhi Important?

Vaisakhi is more than just a festival—it is a day that represents faith, unity, and gratitude. It reminds people of:

• The importance of hard work and harvest for farmers
• The creation of the Khalsa, a turning point in Sikh history
• The values of community service and togetherness
• The beginning of a new year and new possibilities

For both Sikhs and Hindus, Vaisakhi is a time to reflect on blessings, help others, and celebrate with family and friends.

How You Can Celebrate Vaisakhi

Even if you don’t traditionally celebrate Vaisakhi, you can still take part in the joy by:

• Visiting a Gurdwara to experience the celebrations and learn more about Sikh traditions
• Volunteering at a local Langar to help serve food to those in need
• Attending Vaisakhi fairs or parades to enjoy cultural performances
• Spreading kindness by donating to charity or helping someone in need
• Cooking traditional Punjabi food like Sarson da Saag, Makki di Roti, and sweet treats like Jalebi

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