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Baisakhi
 The northern Indian state of Punjab and Haryana celebrate the festival of Baisakhi with great joy and gusto. Farmers get delighted as soon as the festival approaches, as Baisakhi marks the harvesting time of Rabi crops. Baisakhi is one the major festivals for the Sikh community across India, especially in Punjab for marking the foundation day of Khalsa Panth by the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. Sikh community everywhere takes part in the special prayer meets and Baisakhi processions while celebrating Baisakhi.
Baisakhi displays colors and vibrant ambience in the villages of Punjab and Haryana, as farmers and villagers can be seen in joyous mood. Cries of “Jatta aayi Baisakhi” go loudly in the skies with finely-attired men and women set-off to their fields to celebrate the event. The feat of customary folk dance bhangra and gidda by men and women steals the show for Baisakhi, and everyone dances to the tune of bhangra. The extremely energetic group dance of bhangra sets the tune for further celebration on the occasion.
Baisakhi is also celebrated as a Thanksgiving Day, as people take a trip to near-by temples or gurdwaras to say gratitude to the Almighty. The blessing is sought for the generous harvest, prosperity and bright future just after the bath in ponds or rivers. Colourful Baisakhi Fairs get hosted at several places in Punjab to mark the day. People flock to attend fairs and relish by dancing, singing and purchasing stuff of their worth.
Bhangra and gidda performances, wrestling events, singing and acrobatics tend to be the biggest draws of the fairs organized on the Baisakhi day. Folk instruments like vanjli and algoza are also performed by many; food stalls and shops attract kids, women and young alike and make the fairs even more joyful.
Different names and rituals mark Baisakhi, as the festival is celebrated all over India. The Assames commemorate April 13 as Rongali Bihu, while the Bengalis do the same as Naba Barsha. Baisakhi is celebrated as Vaishakha in honour of the Sun God in Bihar while as Vishu and Puthandu respectively in the state of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Kashmir marks the day with ritual bath and Himachal Pradesh tempts people to visit the temple of Jwalamukhi on this auspicious day.
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