Vaisakhi or Baisakhi is an Indian festival that marks the founding of the Sikh community, the Khalsa in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh. Vaisakhi doesn't have an etymological meaning but rather symbolizes the birth of Khalsa Panth, a community of faithful and committed warrior Sikhs. According to modern interpretations, Vaisakhi would mean strength, reliability, independence, ambition, professionalism, and determination, which were the core characteristics of the committed Sikhs warriors. Since it’s a harvest festival celebrated in spring, it could mean fertility and productivity.
The Vaisakhi religious celebration is a harvest festival organized throughout Punjab and every other native Indian region to mark the beginning of a new solar year and new harvest season. It’s generally held on the 13th or 14th of April every year. This year, Vaisakhi will be celebrated on Saturday, 13 April 2024. The feast is most significant in Haryana, Jammu, and other towns in Punjab, Northern India. However, Indians, Nepalese, and other native Hindus in the diaspora celebrate Vaisakhi wherever they are.
Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi by going to the Gurdwara (a temple or place of worship) for a morning service. Afterwards, they have a procession (Nagar Kirtan) along the streets while singing and chanting in colourful clothes and costumes. In the evening, Sikhs often end Vaisakhi with special meals with family and friends. Children may prefer making Happy Vaisakhi cards, flying kites, and listening to stories. It’s a remarkable period of peace, love, and reconciliation.
Vaisakhi is celebrated on different dates due to the earth’s revolution causing leap years. However, there is only a day difference from year to year. In essence, Baisakhi or Vaisakhi can be celebrated on the 13th or 14th of April each year. Vaisakhi marks the arrival of the solar New Year thereby following the lunar cycle. Generally, it’s a memorable and historical event in the life of Punjabis as many commemorate the festival in memory of the Sikhs soldier saints who fought the tyranny and oppression of Aurangazeb, the then Mughal emperor.
During Vaisakhi, traditional Punjabis prefer eating fresh agricultural produce from their farms since the festival is a feast of the harvest of their crops. However, delicacies like chhole bhature, achari mutton, tandoori chicken, chicken saagwaala, pindi chana, coconut laddu amongst other cuisines. Interestingly, there are usually lots of free foods to eat to your feel on Vaisakhi day. So, many Canadian Sikhs usually attend Vaisakhi on an empty stomach to have a space for abundant pakoras and pizzas that will be shared freely.
At Walmart Canada, you can find the most affordable Vaisakhi recipe. I can also recommend Fruiticana, Taste of India, Batala Supermarket, Singal’s Indian Grocery Store, Kohinoor Foods, Indo Fiji Supermarket, and Bombay Bazaar. You can easily find those stores online and place orders through their websites or Google My Business stores. Early birds always get higher discounts, ordering early is always the best.
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