ISLAMABAD: The festival of Baisakhi is an ancient tradition rooted in the Punjab region, celebrated to mark the beginning of the harvest season as part of the Punjabi tradition both in Pakistan and India.
Punjab’s festivals have roots in history and folklore, enhancing the experience for those who participate in this traditional celebration.
Every celebration carries a story, weaving together the past and present into a rich and vibrant tapestry of tradition.
The best time to experience Punjab’s festive spirit is during the spring and winter seasons.
Major celebrations like Baisakhi in April and Lohri in January are the standout highlights of this vibrant cultural calendar.
Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi, is part of the Punjabi tradition both in Pakistan and India. It also marks the start of the Hindu New Year for some communities.
The festival holds religious significance for Sikhs, commemorating the establishment of the Khalsa Panth (the purified Sikh community) by Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Guru of the Sikhs in 1699.
Baisakhi is traditionally observed on the first day of the month of Vaishakha in the Hindu solar calendar, which typically falls in April (April 13th or 14th).
The event is much more than a harvest festival—it captures the vibrant and joyful spirit of the Punjabi people.
Celebrated with great enthusiasm, it marks the end of the harvest season and the start of the Punjabi New Year.
It’s a time for giving thanks, coming together as a community, and enjoying festive meals and traditions.
Fairs are traditionally organised in villages across Pakistan’s Punjab. These fairs often involve various activities like animal races, literary festivals, and cultural performances.
Last year, the government of Pakistan’s Punjab declared that the Baisakhi celebration would be observed officially.
Historical background of Baisakhi
The origins of Baisakhi can be traced back centuries, with deep roots in the agricultural practices of Punjab.
Traditionally, it is celebrated on the 13th of April, coinciding with the harvest of Rabi crops.
For farmers, this day symbolises prosperity and abundance, making it a significant occasion in their lives.
Sikh tradition
According to Sikh tradition, on the day of Baisakhi, Guru Gobind Singh addressed a gathering from a tent set up on a hill.
Holding his sword, he asked for a volunteer who was willing to offer his head in devotion.
His first and second calls went unanswered, but on the third call, a man named Daya Ram stepped forward and offered himself.
The Guru led him into the tent and soon returned with his sword stained in blood. He then called for another volunteer.
One by one, four more men came forward, each entering the tent with the Guru. Each time, the Guru emerged alone with a bloodied sword.
To everyone’s astonishment, all five men later reappeared from the tent, unharmed.
These five devoted individuals, who were ready to give their lives for their Guru, were honoured as the Panj Piare—“the five beloved ones”—and became the founding members of the Khalsa.
Traditionally, during their stay at a Gurdwara (Sikh temple), Sikh pilgrims sleep on the floor.
The festival started with the recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book.
The entire 1,430 pages of the text are read during these three days.
The celebrations culminate with the end of the recitation on the third day of the Besakh (April 14), and the ‘Bhog’, or conclusion ceremony, is performed.
Sikh pilgrims arrive in Pakistan
Thousands of Sikh pilgrims from around the world have started arriving in Pakistan to participate in the annual Baisakhi.
This year’s event is expected to draw over 30,000 participants, including more than 7,000 international pilgrims, including those from India, 3,000 members of the Sikh diaspora, and 20,000 local Sikh devotees.
The Punjab Home Department has implemented extensive security arrangements to ensure the safety of thousands of Sikh pilgrims arriving from across the globe to celebrate the festival.
Speaking to the media, Punjab Minister Ramesh Singh Arora said Pakistan has witnessed a 72% increase in religious tourism this year.
Pilgrims have arrived from more than 11 Indian states, including Amritsar, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.
Due to the large number of visitors, the pilgrims have been divided into two groups: one group is travelling to Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal, while the other is heading to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur.
