Baisakhi (or Vaisakhi) is the most important festival in Sikhism. This year, it falls on Tuesday 13th April.
Baisakhi has been a harvest festival for a long time, even before it became so important to Sikhs. In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh chose the festival as the moment to establish the ‘Khalsa’, the collective name given to Sikhs who have been baptised.
Due to current restrictions, celebrations are challenging, but Baisakhi is usually celebrated by visits to Gudwaras - places of worship for Sikhs - which will be specially decorated for the occasion. After religious services are held, people begin a day of celebration.
Many Sikhs wear colourful, traditional clothes as they take part in parades through the streets. These parades include lots of singing, dancing and chanting of hymns.
There’s also a lot of free food. Giving out free food comes from a tradition called ‘langar’. Everyone in the community, no matter how rich or poor they are, would come together to share a meal.
Many Sikhs also chose Baisakhi as the day to be baptised.
If you are celebrating Baisakhi, we wish you and your loved ones a peaceful, healthy and happy year ahead.
