Baisakhi 2025: All About Date, Time, History and Significance

Baisakhi (Vaisakhi) in 2025

Celebrated among the Hindus and Sikhs, Baisakhi is a spring harvest festival that’s celebrated on the 14th of April (Gregorian calendar) every year. The historical significance of this day is quite intriguing.

It is believed that the 10th Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh, established the famous Khalsa Panth on this day.

Historical Significance of Baisakhi

The story goes that on Baisakhi, Guru Gobind Singh challenged any Sikh who was prepared to give his life. In a crowd of about a thousand people, five people volunteered in total. The Guru, instead of killing the volunteers, baptised them with “Amrit” and formed a five-member group of saint-soldiers called “Khalsa”. These five men representing the Khalsa were known as the Five Ks signifying Kesh (hair), Katchera (underwear), Kangha (comb), Kirpan (sword), and the Kara (steel ring).

Following that fateful day, the spraying of nectar or “Amrit” has become a common practice during the ceremonial baptisation of Sikhs.

Other than the historical significance, the day also marks the ripening of the Rabi crop and is celebrated with splendour among the people of Punjab.

Hinduism, Baisakhi is observed as the New Year’s Day and is celebrated with splendour in some of the states of India.

How Baisakhi is Celebrated in India?

Gurdwaras are decorated with lights of various colours while the Sikhs organise “Nagar Kirtan“—a procession led by five Khalsa. The procession is marked by people singing hymns from the Sikh texts. Some of the bigger processions keep a copy of the Guru Granth Sahib as a show of respect.

Events that depict the true culture of Punjab are organised. Traditional folk dance or Bhangra, essentially a harvest festival dance, is quite common in these cultural events. People flock to local fairs that form an integral part of the Punjabi culture.

In other parts of India, Hindus celebrate the day as the beginning of the new year. People take a dip in the holy Ganges and other holy rivers before starting the day. Dressing up in traditional attire, indulging in local delicacies, and visiting friends’ and relatives’ houses are quite common. Baisakhi is also considered as an auspicious day to start a new venture.

Baisakhi is celebrated across India, albeit the names being different in different states. The festival is seen as a symbol of prosperity for all.

Baisakhi Celebrations

People dance, sing and wear new clothes to celebrate the festival. They enjoy watching parades that shall take place during this time. Both men and women dance. Men perform the Bangra form whereas women perform the Gidda form to celebrate the event. People prepare holiday meals and sweets and share among themselves. It has been a special day for Sikhs, who carry processions and celebrate the day with great fanaticism. Baisakhi is grandly celebrated in Haryana and Punjab, the northern states of India.

Sikhs wake up early in the morning, take a bath, wear new dresses and make a visit to the nearest gurudwara to submit special prayers. After the common prayer, kada prasad shall be distributed to everyone present there. After that, they enjoy langa to be served by volunteers. The festival is also celebrated in schools, colleges and fields. Several events shall be conducted by schools on the day. Gurudwaras are the best places that hold the real beauty of Baisakhi. They are completely decorated and conduct Kirtanas to attract many people. The same celebrations are expected during Baisakhi 2025.

Rituals of Baisakhi

Gurudwaras shall be visited by Sikhs in the morning to participate in a common prayer. The Granth Sahib shall be bathed in milk. Sweets shall be distributed to attendees. The Granth Sahib shall be taken out parades by Sikhs during the afternoon hours. These are the common rituals of Baisakhi 2025. The symbols of the festival include the Kirpan, which is sword; the Kesh, which is uncut hair; the Kara, which is steel ring; the Kangha, which is the comb; and the Katchera.

Public life on Baisakhi

Baisakhi is a very precious day for Sikhs. It is the celebration of the ‘New Year’ according to Nanakshahi calendar. On the festival day, schools and colleges shall remain closed. The commercial outlets owned by Sikhs shall also remain closed or they can have reduced operating hours. The festival has no effect on public transport. Owing to festival events, the schedule for public transport may be disturbed.

Best Places to Celebrate Baisakhi

Amritsar: If you are in search of the best place to celebrate Baisakhi 2025, consider visiting the city of Amritsar. In fact, it is visited by thousands of Sikhs every year. Golden Temple of the city is the place where the basis of Khalsa was laid by Guru Gobind Singh, who was the tenth Sikh guru. Visitors perform special prayers on the day.
Delhi: Delhi, the capital city of India, hosts various events to celebrate the day. It is also visited by many people from all parts of the country. People gather at gurudwaras to perform special prayers and exchange festival greetings. Delhi also organises Baisakhi parties. Consider this place as well.
Punjab: If you want to see the real celebrations, consider visiting Punjab during Baisakhi 2025. Like Delhi, the state organises dance and singing concerts. The festival meals are being served by restaurants. One must visit the state.
Haryana: Haryana conducts a vast mela each year. Many people visit this state to take part in Baisakhi mela, which is very famous. Besides, several competitions are organised for school kids. In the evening, singing and dance competitions are organised for adults.
Chandigarh: Chandigarh is one of most visited destinations during this festival. Tourists visit gurudwaras of the city and pray to the God. Like Haryana, they can enjoy singing and dance concerts in the evening.
Jalandhar: The city of Jalandhar celebrates Baisakhi attractively. The main festivities include dancing, singing, etc. Both men and women perform folk dances. It is a treat to watch.

FAQs

What is Baisakhi and why is it celebrated?

Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi, is a harvest festival celebrated mainly in Punjab. It marks the Punjabi New Year and commemorates the formation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.

When is Baisakhi 2025 celebrated?

Baisakhi 2025 will be celebrated on April 13, 2025. In some years, it may fall on April 14, depending on the solar calendar.

How is Baisakhi celebrated in Punjab?

In Punjab, Baisakhi is celebrated with processions, Bhangra and Gidda dances, visits to Gurudwaras, and community feasts (Langar). Farmers rejoice at the harvest season with vibrant festivities.

What is the significance of Baisakhi in Sikhism?

Baisakhi holds religious significance as it marks the birth of the Khalsa Panth, a major event in Sikh history. Devotees visit Golden Temple and participate in prayers and processions.

Is Baisakhi only celebrated in Punjab?

No, Baisakhi is celebrated across India with regional variations:
In Kerala as Vishu
In West Bengal as Pohela Boishakh
In Tamil Nadu as Puthandu
In Assam as Bohag Bihu

Why is Baisakhi important for farmers?

Baisakhi marks the harvest of Rabi crops, bringing prosperity and gratitude for a successful farming season. Farmers celebrate with joy and cultural festivities.

Is Baisakhi a public holiday in India?

Yes, Baisakhi is a public holiday in Punjab and some northern states, with banks, schools, and government offices closed for celebrations.