Baisakhi is also known as Vaishakhi, or Vaisakhi which is one of the main festivals of Punjab as this festival is mainly celebrated in the Northern part of India. Every year this festival falls on April 14 and this is celebrated with pomp and zeal. This festival is important to both Sikhs and Punjabis. Baisakhi festival also has cosmic significance as this day marks the sun’s entry into Mesh Rashi. This festival is also observed as a spring harvest festival for the Sikhs. This festival is celebrated with a lot of fun and joy in Punjab and Haryana. This festival is celebrated with different names in major parts of the country.
The history of Baisakhi is different for different religions. As according to Hindu people, Goddess Ganga descended on Earth on this day. People usually take bath in the Ganga river to remove the sins. This day is of great significance to the Hindu culture. Sikhs also have different historical significance in this that Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb beheaded the ninth Guru of Sikhs i.e. Guru Tegh Bahadur in 1699. He was beheaded as he refused to convert to Islam. The tenth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh gave a unique identity to his followers by establishing the Khalsa Panth.
People celebrate this day by participating in kirtans and they carry out colourful processions. Farmers also celebrate this day as a thanksgiving day for the adequate harvest by performing Aawat Pauni, in which they come together to harvest the wheat and they sing and dance during this festival for showing joy and pleasure. This festival marks the beginning of a New Year. This festival is celebrated with great pomp and show. Farmers show their happiness by dancing and by enjoying the day. This day is of great significance.