It’s the month of April. Celebrate the beauty of this traditional festival- Baisakhi with love and light. Happy Baisakhi!

Here are the Top 6 Reasons Why Baisakhi is Special

1. Farmers’ gratitude-

Punjab is the ‘fertile land of India’. It is considered to be the prime land for agriculture. Farmers take this festival of Baisakhi as an opportunity to thank Gods and natural elements that flourish during the spring harvest. The blooming season in Baisakhi marks the importance of the wheat (summer) crop in Punjab.

2. Astrological Significance-

Baisakhi is the first day of the Hindu solar calendar. That is why it is an important day in the field of astrology too. On the day of Baisakhi, the Sun enters the Mesh Rashi, which is the first zodiac sign among the 12 zodiac signs. Therefore, this festival is called ‘Mesh Sakranti’ too.

3. Significance for Hindus-

Along with the day of Baisakhi being the start of the Hindu Solar calendar, Baisakhi is also considered essential for Hindus as in 1875, Swami Dayanand Saraswati chose this day to establish the foundation of the Arya Samaj religion. The auspicious festival marked the origin of another religion too since then.

4. Holy day for Buddhism-

On this blessed day of Baisakhi, It is believed that Lord Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, attained enlightenment and salvation(Nirvana). Therefore in Buddhism, this day is celebrated as ‘Vaisakh day’ in India and other parts of the country as there are many followers of Lord Buddha outside the country.

5. Foundation of ‘Khalsa’-

The concept of this festival was originated in 1699. Guru Gobind Singh laid the foundation of ‘Panth Khalsa’ in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab. During this time, ‘Panj-Piaras’ were the first five men to be baptized as Sikhs, and subsequently, the religion of Sikhism was introduced. Baisakhi since then has been celebrated as the main festival in Sikhism.

6. Different places have different celebrations-

Baisakhi is celebrated in Punjab and other areas of our country in various names and ways. It is celebrated as ‘Naba Barsha’ in Bengal, ‘Rangoon Bihu’ in Assam, ‘Puthundu’ in Tamil Nadu, ‘Poona Vishu’ in Kerala and ‘Vaishakha’ in Bihar. Indians celebrate this festival with lots of joy, enthusiasm, and merriment throughout the country.
(By Saniya Taneja)