Baisakhi is celebrated every year on April 13 and once in 36 years on 14th. The occasion marks the New Year of the Hindu Calendar.

Though it is celebrated almost everywhere in India, it is celebrated with much more enthusiasm in Punjab.

The birth of the Khalsa is also celebrated by the Sikhs every Baisakhi Day on April 13. Baisakhi 1999 marked the 300th anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh's gift of Panth
Khalsa to the Sikhs everywhere.

It is said that Guru Gobind Singh wanted to instill the virtues of courage and the strength to sacrifice in his downtrodden followers. He wanted to uplift their morale to combat the evil forces of injustice, tyranny and oppression.

On the Baisakhi day, devotees visit Gurudwaras (Sikh Temples) and listen to Kirtans (religious songs) and religious discourses and are followed by offerings of sweet to the congregation and langur— a community meal. Merry-making follows in the evening with bhangra, drumbeats and giddha folk dances and feasting.

Religious processions are also taken out on this day. Mock duels and bands playing religious tunes are parts of the this procession

For people in villages, this festival is the last opportunity to relax and feast before the busy harvest season starts.

---