Baisakhi / Vishu
बैसाखी / विशु
Solar new year festival celebrated in Punjab as Baisakhi and in Kerala as Vishu. Marks the spring harvest season and is a day of great festivity and new beginnings.
Why We Celebrate
Baisakhi (Vaisakhi) is the solar New Year celebrated in Punjab and North India, marking the sun's entry into Aries (Mesha Rashi) and the spring harvest of wheat. Farmers give thanks for a bountiful crop and pray for prosperity. In Kerala, the same day is celebrated as Vishu, marked by the Vishukkani (auspicious first sight) — a beautiful arrangement of rice, fruits, flowers, gold, and a deity's image viewed first thing in the morning.
For Sikhs, Baisakhi holds special significance as the day Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa (community of the pure) in 1699, transforming Sikhism into a powerful spiritual and social force. Devotees gather at Gurudwaras, participate in processions (Nagar Kirtan), perform Gatka (martial arts), and enjoy community meals (langar). In Kerala, Vishu is about new clothes, fireworks (Vishu Padakkam), and a festive meal called Vishu Sadya.
Whether as Baisakhi in the golden wheat fields of Punjab or Vishu in the lush green backwaters of Kerala, this day celebrates renewal, gratitude, and the joy of spring. It is a time for fresh beginnings, honoring hard work, and welcoming abundance.
Did You Know?
- ✦Baisakhi 1699 was the day Guru Gobind Singh created the Khalsa — five volunteers (Panj Pyare) were initiated, and they were asked to pledge loyalty to Sikh values, marking a transformative moment in Sikh history.
- ✦In Kerala, Vishukkani is prepared the night before and viewed first thing upon waking — it is believed that what you see first on Vishu determines the fortune of the coming year.
- ✦Baisakhi is also celebrated as the day the river Ganges descended to earth, making it an auspicious time for ritual baths in sacred rivers.
Related Festivals
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