(10.1.16 ) Baisakhi / Vaisakhi 2017

 Vaisakhi / Baisakhi ,the festival 2017

When is Vaisakhi celebrated 
Baisakhi is a seasonal festival which is chiefly celebrated in Punjab and Haryana. Every year this festival is celebrated on 13 April or on 14 April and according to Nanak Shahi calender.
How is Baisakhi celebrated.
Vaisakh is the month when the harvest of wheat, gram and barley stands in full growth. So the farmer community is filled with feelings of prosperity and happiness. They thank god of good crops and pray for the prosperity in the year to come. On this day people get up early and have a bath in the holy rivers and wear traditional new clothes. At different places fairs are held by the sides of the river at the places which are religiously famous. On the day of Baisakhi a large number of people gather at the Mela  grounds. The fairs have all sorts of attractions. The Punjabis perform 'Bhangara' dance to express their joy and zeal. People enjoy the dances standing in circles.When the evening draws near, the people retire to their homes full of cheer and joy.
Customs and rituals
Baisakhi is a harvest festival so it is celebrated in the open fields. Men and women wear customary dresses and take part in popular Bhangara dance.
But this festival has religious importance also. So the followers of the Sikh religion wake up early in the morning and go to the Gurudwaras to attend special meetings. They give preference to visit Golden Temple, which is the revered place for the Sikhs. But those who are not able to go to Golden temple, go the neighbouring Gurudwaras.
At the Grudwaras, the Gurugranth sahib, which is the holy book of the Sikhs, is taken out and it is given a symbolic bath with milk and water. Then Guru Granth Sahib is placed on the throne. This book is then read out to the followers.
 In the afternoon Gurugranth Sahib is taken out in a procession. The men, women and children take part in this procession with enthusiasm. This procession moves through the major parts of the city. During this procession people dance at the beatings of Bhangra drums. Devotees sing religious songs. Thus the festival comes to an end.
Related Posts you will like to read :- 
(10.4.1) Guru Nanak Jayanti

(10.4.1) Guru Nanak Jayanti 2016

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2016

When is Guru Nanak Jayanti - 

In the year 2016  Guru Nanak Jayanti is on Monday, 14.11.2016.. Kartik Shukal Purnima, Samwat 2073 . 

Why Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated:-

Guru Nanak Dev was the first Guru  and founder of the Sikhism or Sikh religion. He was born on Kartik Shukla Purnima at Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi about thirty miles from Lahore (Now in Pakistan). So the Sikhs celebrate kartik shukla Purnima as the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji. He was a poet and saint as well. He was a prophet of peace, love and truth. His message and teachings are universal. They are not bound with time and place. 

Celebrations -

Guru Nanak Jayanti is a very important festival of the Sikhs. They celebrate it with great joy and enthusiasm. On this day the people of the Sikh community decorate their houses. They reach Gurudwaras in the morning and participate in the Prabhat Pheris or processions which begin from the Gurudwaras. Guru Granth sahib is also carried in a procession. Five armed guards who represent the Panj Pyaras, head the procession. They carry Nishan sahib (the Sikh flag) with them. 

Langars -

On this day foodis also served to everyone free of charges without giving any importance to any creed or caste. The men, women and children take part in preparing and serving food which is known as the Kar Seva and considered as the part of their duty as a Sikh. 

Akand Path- 

It is the reading of Guru Granth Sahib. The festival of Guru Nanak Jayanti begins with the reading or recitation of Guru Granth sahib, which is the holy book of the Sikhs. It continues for 48 hours non-stop.

Important things about Guru Nanak Dev-

Guru Nanak Dev was the founder of the Sikh religion. He was also the first Guru.

Birth-  Guru Nanak was born on 15 April, 1469 at Rai Bhoi Di (ki) Talwandi. (Now it is Pakistan and known as Nankana sahib)

Death- He died on 22 September, 1539 AD.

Father- His father's name was Kalyan Chand Das Bedi, who was popularly known by Mehta Kalu. 

Mother- His mother's name was Mata Tripta.

Teachings- 
Guru Nank Dev's teachings are found in Guru Granth Sahib, a holy scripture of the Sikh religion. His message to the people was that there is one God who resides in every creature. Three basic things or guidelines of his teachings are -

(1)Vand Chakko (Vand Chakna)- People should share their wealth with others and help those who are in need.

(2)Kirat Karo (Kirat Karni)- People should earn their living honestly and accept the pains and pleasure as God's Gifts. 

(3)Naam Japana- People should meditate on God's name. It would eliminate their suffering and help them to live a happy life.

Related post-  (10.1.16) Baisakhi/ Vaisakhi.