Story: Colourful Baisakhi

Come April, and here comes the harvest festival of Punjab called Baisakhi or Vaisakhi. India’s glorious civilization is always known for its innumerable festivals, which marks the seasons and reminding people to celebrate. When golden grain is ready in the fields, people on this day thank God for the good harvest. Marked by dance, music, merry making and prosperity, this 13th day of April is of special religious significance to Sikhs because in 1699,the Tenth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh ji laid the foundation of Khalsa panth-The order of pure ones and started a phenomenon in itself. This day coincides with 'Rongali Bihu' in Assam, 'Naba Barsha' in Bengal, Puthandu in Tamil Nadu and 'Pooram Vishu' in Kerala. As I dig deep into knowing what Baisakhi is all about, I came to know that its not only religiously significant to Sikhs but is of importance to Buddhists and Hindus alike. On this day, Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment or Nirvana.
I have stayed in Punjab throughout my life and have always viewed this festival as a day to celebrate humanity. Being a Sikh, religion also marks my faith in this day but more so it is a celebration of prosperity and happiness freely flowing across the country without any barriers and bringing people together like no other day or occasion.
The zest of this festival is the Bhangra boys dressed in bright hues and dancing to the foot tapping music. The girls clad gaiely performing Giddha. They are life of Punjab and particularly this festival. Believe me, once you see them dancing,hooting, you just can’t stop raving about them and be in their shoes. I myself tried few of the moves and have been really lucky to have mastered few of them(doing it since childhood :)).
I love the spirit of this festival that brings all cultures,religions and regions together. The celebration is something not to be missed and I will highly recommend people to see this festival specially in Punjab,India because of the sheer enthusiasm of the people here.