Baisakhi 2024: History, Muhurat, Rituals and Beyond!

Have you ever wondered what a traditional Baisakhi 2024 festival looks like? It is when the air is filled with the sound of dhol beats and the aroma of delicious food as people prepare to celebrate the festival with their loved ones. The streets are decorated with vibrant colours, and people dressed in their traditional Punjabi attire can be seen dancing to the lively beats of bhangra. This year, we celebrate this festival of new beginnings, hope and renewal on 13th April 2024.

Baishakhi 2024: History and Significance 

Also known as Vaisakhi, this festival holds religious as well as cultural significance. It is not hidden that Baisakhi 2024 marks the beginning of the new year as per the Hindu solar calendar and is also celebrated as the formation of the Khalsa community. In this section, we will delve into the Baisakhi importance, the history of Baisakhi, how it has evolved, and its astrological and religious significance. 

Astrological Significance 

As the Sun enters the Aries zodiac sign on Baisakhi, it is a major day in astrology. Vedic astrology refers to this transition as the Mesha Sankranti. As per astrology, the Sun’s position on this day significantly influences our lives because it influences our physical and mental health. Therefore, the astrological calendar considers Baisakhi to be a lucky day for beginnings, crucial decisions, and new endeavours. Additionally, it is said to be the best time to carry out holy rites and ask for blessings from the Almighty.

Religious Significance 

To understand the religious significance of this festival, let us take you back to the year 1699. On this day in 1699, the Khalsa Panth, a brotherhood of saint-soldiers sworn to protect the vulnerable and needy, was established by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh guru. He requested the help of five volunteers who were ready to make the ultimate sacrifice. Five brave men came up individually, and Guru Gobind Singh declared them the first Khalsa members.

Cultural Significance 

For the people of Punjab and Punjabis, Baisakhi is not just a festival it is a feeling instead. Baisakhi is a time when people display their art and craft in a variety of ways, including bhangra dance, gidda, and other folk dances, as well as the rich cultural legacy of Punjab. Another crucial aspect of the festival is the delicious food. People prepare a variety of traditional Punjabi dishes, such as makki ki roti and sarson ka saag, chole bhature, and lassi. 

Baisakhi 2024: Muhurat, Time and Pooja Timings 

In the month of Vaisakh, which usually falls in mid-April, the festival of Baisakhi is on Saturday, April 13, in the year 2024. This day marks the beginning of the Sikh New Year, also known as Vaisakhi. What’s interesting to note is that the festival’s auspicious time will begin at 09:15 PM, before Mesha Sankranti.

This is when people offer their prayers and seek blessings for a prosperous year ahead. If you are planning to celebrate Baisakhi, make sure to keep this auspicious time in mind. You can organise a prayer ceremony or visit a nearby Gurudwara to seek blessings. 

Baisakhi 2024: Rituals and Traditions 

Baisakhi is a significant festival that holds great importance in the Sikh community. People celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm and zeal across the country, especially in Punjab. Baisakhi is a harvest festival and marks the beginning of the new year in the Nanakshahi calendar. In this section of the blog, we will discuss some of the customs and traditions related to Baisakhi. 

Visiting Gurudwaras 

The first and foremost tradition people follow on the day of Baisakhi is visiting Gurudwaras. It is a place where devotees pray, listen to Kirtans (Sikh hymns), and take part in Langars (community meals), which are open to everyone regardless of their caste, creed, or religion.

The Akhand Path

A continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs, is organised in the Gurdwaras, which lasts for two days. It begins two days before Baisakhi celebration and ends on the festival’s last day. The Sikhs consider the Guru Granth Sahib as their living guru and treat it with utmost respect and devotion. Therefore, the continuous reading of the holy book is an essential ritual for them. 

Bhangra and Gidda 

Without this, any Punjabi festival feels incomplete. Bhangra and Gidda are the traditional folk dances of Punjab, and they are an integral part of Baisakhi celebrations. People dance to the beats of the Dhol and other instruments and enjoy the festivities.

The Kar Sewa and Langar Sewa  

The Kar Sewa is a tradition of community service that involves cleaning and beautifying the Gurdwaras and the surrounding areas. On the other hand, there is Langar Sewa, where volunteers serve food to the devotees who visit the Gurdwaras. Per their popular beliefs, one can attain spiritual blessings from the Guru by serving food to others.

Baisakhi 2024: How is it celebrated in different parts of India? 

Baisakhi celebration, also known as Vaisakhi, is an auspicious festival that marks the beginning of the Hindu solar New Year. People observe this festival with great enthusiasm and fervour in various parts of India, each with its unique customs and traditions. So let’s take a look at how Baisakhi is celebrated in which state: 

West Bengal

In West Bengal, Baisakhi is popular as Naba Barsha or Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali New Year. People dress up in traditional attire and participate in cultural events and programs. They also visit the temple to offer prayers and prepare traditional sweets like rasgulla, sandesh, and mishti doi.

Assam 

Baisakhi is famous as Rongali Bihu in Assam, signalling the start of the Assamese New Year. People dance to the dhol and pepa beats, dress traditionally, and eat Assamese specialities like pitha and larus.

Odisha 

Baisakhi is famous as Pana Sankranti or Maha Vishuba Sankranti in the state of Odisha. People bathe in ponds and rivers while praying to Lord Jagannath. Additionally, they make a special drink called “Pana” with a variety of ingredients such as jaggery, water, bananas, and cardamom. The beverage is served to friends and relatives after being offered to the deity.

Kerala 

In Kerala, Baisakhi is observed as ‘Vishu’. On this day, people prepare a special feast called “Sadya,” light lamps, and decorate their homes with flowers. According to popular beliefs, Vishu marks the beginning of the Malayalam New Year.

Tamil Nadu 

In Tamil Nadu, people observe this festival as ‘Puthandu’, which also signifies the start of the Tamil New Year. On this day, people prepare a particular meal called “Mango Pachadi”, which combines bitter, sour, and sweet flavours to represent the various facets of life. Additionally, people clean their homes and decorate them with kolam (rangoli), flowers, and mango leaves.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

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