The Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib was spendidly lit up as the country celebrated Baisakhi festival, in Amritsar on Saturday. Fireworks were also seen dancing across the sky, giving a beautiful view out.
Baisakhi, Vaisakhi or Vasakhi is a sacred festival of Sikhs, which is celebrated every year on April 13 or 14. It is celebrated with much fervour in Punjab and Haryana. Processions are carried out, satsang and nagar kirtan are held across the city. People prepare festive cuisines and visit gurudwaras to offer prayers.
The day is also celebrated as a harvest festival when Rabi crops, those sown during the winter season are collected. Baisakhi marks the foundation day of Khalsa community. It is the day when tenth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Govind Singh summoned a special assembly asking people to lay down their lives for the Guru. Five people came forward and they later came to be known as Panj Pyaare.
Khalsa is a way of life. The followers were given the surname 'Singh' and they believe that all human beings are equal. They were asked to wear 5Ks all the time- kesh (unshorn hair and beard), kangha (comb), kada (steel bracelet), kachcha (cotton undergarment) and kirpan (sword).
Baisakhi also marks the foundation day of Arya Samaj founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati. Also, as per legends, Gautam Buddha attained Nirvana in Gaya, Bihar on Baisakhi. In Assam, people celebrate Bihu, in Tamil Nadu it is known as Puthandu, in Kerala Vishu is celebrated on this day while Bengalis celebrate Pohela Boisakh.
Here are pictures you cannot afford to miss:
A view of illuminated Golden Temple on the eve of Baisakhi in Amritsar.
Splendid fireworks dance across the sky at the Golden Temple in Amritsar
Amritsar: Sikh devotees wait to offer prayers at Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) on the occasion of Baisakhi festival
A Sikh devotee, along with his child, takes holy dip in the Sarovar of Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) on the occasion of Baisakhi festival.
People have 'prasad' at the Golden Temple on the occasion of Baisakhi
Baisakhi, Vaisakhi or Vasakhi is a sacred festival of Sikhs, which is celebrated every year on April 13 or 14. It is celebrated with much fervour in Punjab and Haryana.
The day is also celebrated as a harvest festival when Rabi crops, those sown during the winter season are collected. Baisakhi marks the foundation day of Khalsa community.
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