Significance of Baisakhi
The most significant aspect of Baisakhi or Vaisakhi is that it marks the Sikh New Year along with being the spring harvest festival. This festival holds special importance for the Sikh community as in 1699, the foundation of the ‘Khalsa Panth’ or the ‘order of the free/pure ones’ was laid down on Baisakhi by the tenth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh. The Khalsa was founded by him at Anandpur Sahib, Punjab in front of thousands. Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru of Sikhism had refused to convert to Islam under the command of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Thus, Baisakhi also commemorates the birth of Sikh order that began after the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur. This festival is important for Hindus too. On this day in 1875, Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded the ‘Arya Samaj.’ This Hindu reform movement promotes practices that are based on the reliable authority of the Vedas. Baisakhi is a holy day for Buddhists as well. It is believed that Gautam Buddha attained nirvana on this day.
More Regional Indian Spring Harvest Festivals
Traditionally, Baisakhi or Vaisakhi has always held special importance for farmers as this day marks the time for harvest of Rabi (winter) crops. This day also celebrates the beginning of the Hindu solar new year. Thus, in addition to the Sikhs, this festival is noteworthy for many other communities under different names throughout India. For instance, as we travel through the length and breadth of India, we will find Baisakhi being celebrated as Pohela/Poila Boishakh or Nobo Borsho as the Bengali New Year, Vishu marking the end of the spring equinox in Kerala, Bohag Bihu in Assam, Puthandu as the Tamil New Year and Vaishakha in honor of Surya, the Sun God in Bihar.
Baisakhi Food and Celebrations
Baisakhi is a day of thanksgiving to Mother Earth for the abundant harvest. This day is celebrated with fervour, joy and devotion by farmers as well as other people from the Sikh community. They visit the Gurudwara for a special prayer meet with ‘ardaas’ and discourses. This is followed by the distribution of the famous ‘kada prashad’ by the sevaks/volunteers and a delicious ‘langar (a traditional communal meal of the Sikhs),’ which is relished by all. Golden Temple at Amritsar, Punjab is a main attraction especially on this day. Baisakhi is also a vibrant day, full of colors. Traditional folk dances like ‘bhangra’ and ‘gidda’ are performed by men and women in villages. Vaisakhi is a day of bounty and hence, food plays a very important role in the celebrations. Also, because the Sikh/Punjabi community loves to eat and drink. So, just like for any other community, their festivals are also all about delectable food and beverages. Here, I am listing some of the popular and favorite dishes from the Punjabi food repertoire that can be made during Baisakhi. Check these 50 Recipes for Baisakhi, prepare your menu and celebrate the festival with love, laughter and happiness. Wishing that the festival brings peace, prosperity and well-being to one all!
50 Baisakhi Food Recipes
Main Course Recipes
These variety of curries, gravies and vegetable dishes are some of my personal favorites. You can pair these with your choice of breads, rice or any other sides.
Bread Recipes
Apart from its robust curries, Punjabi food is also known for its yummy range of breads and flatbreads. This section is exactly what you need to pick your chosen one, prepare it and serve with the flavorful gravies.
Snack and Appetizer Recipes
Tasty tikkas, crave worthy chaats and more! Here’s a selection of the choicest of snacks and appetizers that’s going to take your Baisakhi celebrations, a notch higher. What’s more? These are easy to make and absolutely hassle free too.
Sweets or Dessert Recipes
What’s a festival celebration without ending the meal on that perfect sweet note? This assortment of sweets/desserts is going to make it very easy for you to include your favorite and enjoy Baisakhi like never before.
Drinks Recipes
These lovely beverages are refreshing, cooling and very, very festive! Also, get done within minutes. Perfect way to chill yourself after a round of heavy dancing and merry-making. This Baisakhi recipes from the blog archives was first published on April 2013. It has been updated and republished on December 2022.
