Sikh New Year

Vaisakhi is celebrated with complete thrill and enthusiasm throughout Punjab and other parts of the world. This day is considered as one of the most important yearly festival of the Sikhs due to which it is known as the Sikh new year. In 1699, on this day, the khalsa panth, the Sikh nation was formed. On this day plenty of people gather at the Gurudwaras early morning to take part in the traditional processions.

Due to utmost importance of this day, the date already holds a place in the Sikh calendar and this day is celebrated as gurgaddi divas of the 7th guru, guru har rai ji. Sikhs also celebrate this day in respect of their tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh. Baisakhi is a New Year celebration in the Sikh calendar. Traditionally, on this day which generally comes on 13th April, 'Nishan Sahib', the Sikh Flag, is changes by a new one. A service is organized in the open compound, led by 'Panj Pyara'.

Normally, the Sikh New Year begins with Chet 1 which in common era calendar is mentioned on 14th march. The khalsa too was founded on the festival of vaisakhi; therefore this day is the most important precious for the Sikhs. With the two important occasions on the same day, Sikhs celebrate this day with great enthusiasm, tradition and happiness. Vaisakhi is generally observed on the 13th April and occasionally on 14th April.

Sikh New Year Celebrations

Sikh new year celebrations begin with the festival of vaisakhi also known as baisakhi. Not only vaisakhi but on the same day, khalsa, the Sikh nation was founded by the tenth guru (Guru Gobind Singh ji) in 1699. This makes up double celebration for the Sikhs. On this day, a huge celebration is planned in every Gurudwara all over the world and the day is celebrated with all the traditional and cultural activities. In some countries, a parade takes place; people come out of their homes and join the parade serving the sangat with free food, milk and water.