Vaisakhi
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Also called | Vaisakh (few people also call this festival as Baisakhi) |
Observed by | Sikhs all over the world |
Type | religious, cultural |
Significance | Solar New Year [1] Harvest festival, birth of the Khalsa, Punjabi new year |
Celebrations | Fairs, Ritual Bathing, Amrit Sanchaar (baptism) for new Khalsa, Parades and Nagar Kirtan |
Observances | Prayers, processions, raising of the Nishan Sahib flag, Fairs |
Related to | South and Southeast Asian solar New Year |
Vaisakhi (IAST: vaisākhī), also pronounced as Baisakhi is observed by Sikhs. It marks the beginning of Sikh (Nanakshahi calendar) solar New year.[4][5] Vaisakhi marks the first day of the month of Vaisakha, is usually celebrated on 13 or 14 April every year and is a historical and religious festival. It signifies a new year of harvest for the community. This holiday is also known as Vaisakha Sankranti and celebrates the Solar new year, based on the Vikram Samvat calendar. Baisakhi is primarily a thanksgiving day when farmers pay tribute to their deity for the harvest and pray for prosperity in future.[6]. Punjabis follow a tradition named Aawat Pauni on Vaisakhi. People gather to harvest wheat that grew in the winter. Drums are played and people recite Punjabi doha (couplet) to the tune while harvesting. In other parts of India, the Vaisakhi festival is known by various regional names.[7]
Baisakhi is also a historical and religious festival in Sikhism. Baisakhi also marks the birth of Khalsa. On March 30 in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh gathered his followers at his home in Anadpur. At this gathering, Khalsa was born. [8][9][10][11][12][1][6][13] For Sikhs, Vaisakhi observes major events in the history of Sikhism and the Indian subcontinent that happened in the Punjab region.[14][15] The significance of Vaisakhi as a major Sikh festival marking the birth of Sikh order started after the persecution and execution of Guru Tegh Bahadur for refusing to convert to Islam under the orders of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. This triggered the coronation of Guru Gobind Singh the tenth Guru of Sikhism and the historic formation of Khalsa, both on the Vaisakhi day.[16][17][18] Ranjit Singh was proclaimed as Maharaja of the Sikh Empire on 12 April 1801 (to coincide with Vaisakhi), creating a unified political state. Sahib Singh Bedi, a descendant of Guru Nanak dev, conducted the coronation.[19] Vaisakhi was also the day when the British colonial empire official, General Reginald Dyer, committed the Jallianwala Bagh massacre on a gathering, an event influential to the Indian movement against colonial rule.[14]
On Vaisakhi, Gurdwaras are decorated. New Year festivals such as Baisakhi are celebrated in other parts of India at this time. Bengalis celebrate Poila Boisakh (Bengali New Year), Assamese celebrate Bohag Bihu (Assamese New Year) and Puthandu (Tamil New Year) is celebrated in Tamil Nadu.[20] Sikhs hold kirtans, visit local Gurdwaras, community fairs and nagar kirtan processions are held, and people gather to socialize and share festive foods.[9][14][21]
Vaisakhi is observed on 13 or 14 April every year in 21st century. However, in 1801 AD, it used to fall on 11 April.[22] This is because date of Vaisakhi and other Sankrantis keeps on changing slowly over years. Vaisakhi would fall on 29 April in Year 2999.[23] The festival coincides with other new year festivals celebrated on the first day of Vaisakh in other regions of the Indian Subcontinent such as the Pohela Boishakh, Bohag Bihu, Vishu, Puthandu among others.[24][25]
Word Vaisakhi or Baisakhi is Apbhramsa (corruption) of word Vaishākhī (वैशाखी), derived from the name of Vikram Samvat month of Vaishakha.[26] There is no distinction between sounds 'sha' (श) & 'sa' (स)[27] and between 'va' (व) & 'ba' (ब) in Prakrit & Apbhramsa.[28] Hence the name, Vaisakhi or Baisakhi. In tonal languages like Bengali, it is pronounced as 'Boishakhi'.[29] Vaisakhi which is observed on Sankranti of Vaisakh (Vaishakh) month literally means 'related to Vaisakh month', which in turn is derived from the name of a Nakshatra known as Vishakha.[30] In Punjabi, the spelling varies with region. In Punjab region, Vaisakhi is common, but in the Doabi and Malwai dialects, speakers often substitute a B for a V.[31] The spelling used depends on the dialect of the writer.
The first day of Vaisakh marks the traditional solar new year[32][33] and it is an ancient festival that predates the founding of Sikhism. The harvest is complete and crops ready to sell, representing a time of plenty for the farmers. Fairs and special thanksgiving (prayers) are common in the Sikhism tradition.
The first day of Vaisakh marks the solar new year.[34] It is the New Year's Day for people in Assam, Bengal, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Kerala, Odisha, Punjab[35] Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand and other parts of India.[25][34] However, this is not the universal new year for all Hindus. For some, such as those in and near Gujarat, the new year festivities coincide with the five-day Diwali festival.[25] For others, the new year falls on Cheti Chand, Gudi Padwa and Ugadi which falls a few weeks earlier.[25][36]
It is regionally known by many names in other parts of India, though the festivities and its significance is similar. It is celebrated by people bathing in sacred rivers, as they believe that river goddess Ganges descended to earth on Vaisakhi from Svarga.[37][38] Some rivers considered particularly sacred include the Ganges, Jhelum and Kaveri. People visit temples, meet friends and party over festive foods.[7]
Vaisakhi is the day when people also believe River Goddess Ganga descended on earth from heaven.[39][40] One of the largest Vaisakhi fair in India is held at Haridwar, which is an important Hindu pligrimage. Around 50 lakhs pligrims throng Brahm Kund in Haridwar to take a dip in Ganga river on this festival.[41][42]
The tradition of celebrating Vaisakhi among Punjabi predates birth of Sikhism. In Undivided Punjab, people visit Golden Temple Gurdwara, In the morning, the Sikh people take bath and wear the new clothes. The Sikh families then assemble at the gurdwaras to attend a specially organized prayer in the morning. After the prayer is over, the devotees are distributed a sweet known as the ‘Kada Prasad’. The procession of Guru Granth Sahib is known as Nagar Kirtan in Punjabi taken all over the world. It is a religious procession accompanied by holy hymns and is an important part of the festival of Baisakhi. The procession is always led by the Panj Pyare (the five beloved ones who form the central part of the Khalsa), who are dressed in saffron. They are followed by the holy book of the Sikhs, Guru Granth Sahib, and other members of the procession. The road through which the procession is to pass is cleared beforehand by the sewadars (volunteers). The procession finally comes to a halt at a particular Gurudwara where Ardas (prayers) is offered.
The most spectacular gathering of Vaisakhi fair is at Thakurdwara of Bhagwan Narainji at Pandori Mahatan village in Gurdaspur district of Punjab where the fair lasts for three days from 1st Vaisakha to 3rd Vaisakha.[43] The celebrations start in form of procession on morning of 1st Vaisakha, carrying Mahant in a palanquin by Brahmacharis and devotees. After that Navgraha Puja is held and charities in money, grains and cows are done.[44] At evening, Sankirtan is held in which Mahant delivers religious discourses and concludes it by distributing prasad of Patashas (candy drops). Pilgrims also take ritual bathings at sacred tank in the shrine.[43][45]
Vaisakhi is an important festival among Dogra Hindus of Jammu region. On this day, people get up early in the morning, throng the rivers, canals, and ponds and take a ritual dip every year on this occasion. In Dogra households, a Puja is performed afterwards and part of food crop is offered to the deities. New fruit of the year is enjoyed on this day.[46] A Ritual Bath at Tawi river during Vaisakhi is common in Jammu.[47]
Vaisakhi is celebrated at Udhampur on the bank of Devika river where for three days devotees enjoy the folk songs. At Sudhmahadev, this festival is celebrated with great pomp and show where folk singers come down and a competition of folk songs is held. Vendors generally install their shops and stalls of eatables.[48]
Many people go to the Nagbani temple to witness the grand New Year celebration.[49] Vaisakhi is also considered "harvest festival" and considered auspicious, especially for marriages. Celebrations of Vaisakhi also include Dogri Bhangra[50] which is quite different from Punjabi variant, with respect to actions, costumes and songs.[51] According to Ganhar (1975),[52] "Bhangra dances are a special feature of Baisakhi celebrations but bhangra is an importation from the Punjab and is more secular than religious".
The occasion is marked by numerous fairs and people come by the thousands to celebrate Vaisakhi. For example, Airwan in Kathua is known for Vaisakhi fair attended by 10,000 people as per Census 1961.[53] Every year on Baisakhi festival around 15,000 pilgrims pay their obeisance at 700 tear old temple of Subar Nag Devta temple in Bhaderwah.[54] Other places where Vaisakhi fairs are held are Doda Bridge and Ramban.[55]
In Himachal Pradesh, Vaisakhi is an important festival of Hindus.[56] People get up early in the morning and have a ritual bath. Two earthern lamps are lighted on this day one of Sangiya of oil and other one is Jyot of Ghee. These are kept in a large saucer along with water pot, blades of evergreen turf, Kusha, Incense, Sandal, Vermillion and Dakshina (money). With these things worship of household deities is performed. Alms are given in form of rice and pulses with small coins which are placed near Deity. This is called Nasrawan and is commonly to family priest.[57]
Fried cakes of black gram which are prepared a day before are distributed to neighbours after Puja is completed.[58] Special dishes are prepared on this day. White washing is performed on this day and floors are plastered. This is called Prau lagana.[59] In the evening people enjoy fairs which are organised for three days.
Vaisakhi is celebrated with religious fervour in Haryana.[60] In Kurukshetra district, Vaisakhi fair is held at Baan Ganga Tirtha[61], which is associated with Arjuna of Mahabharata. There is a Vaisakhi tradition of ritual bath at the sacred tank of Baan Ganga Tirtha in Village Dayalpur of Kurukshetra. A fair is held annually on Vaisakhi at this Hindu pilgrimage.[62] Besides, Haryana government organizes a Vaisakhi festival in Pinjore Garden to commemorate this religious and cultural festival.[63]
Vaisakhi or Vaisakhi Sankranti is celebrated on first day of Vaisakha, as per Hindu Solar Calendar. This day is also known as Sattuā or Satwahi[64], as Sattu is donated and consumed on this day.[65] The common rites during this festival is bath in a river or pond and to eat Sattu and Gur (Jaggery).[66]
Vaisakhi coincides with the festival of 'Vishu' and 'Puthandu' celebrated in Kerala and Tamilnadu a day after Vaisakhi. The festivities include fireworks, shopping for new clothes and interesting displays called 'Vishu Kani'. People make arrangements of flowers, grains, fruits which friends and family visit to admire as "lucky sight" (Vishukkani). Giving gifts to friends and loved ones, as well as alms to the needy, are a tradition of Kerala on this festive day.[7]
Vaisakhi is celebrated as Bohag (Rongali) Bihu in Assam and as Pohela Boishakh in Bengal, but typically one or two days after Vaisakhi.[67]
The following is a list of new year festivals:[25][34][68]
Vishu is celebrated on the same day as Vaisakhi in the Indian state of Kerala, and falls on the first day of Malayali month called Medam.[69][70] The festival is notable for its solemnity and the general lack of pomp and show that characterize other festivals of Kerala such as Onam.[69][71]
The festival is marked by family time, preparing colorful auspicious items and viewing these as the first thing on the Vishu day. In particular, Malayali seek to view the golden blossoms of the Indian laburnum (Kani Konna), money or silver items (Vishukkaineetam), and rice.[69][71] The day also attracts firework play by children,[69][72] wearing new clothes (Puthukodi) and the eating a special meal called Sadya, which is a mix of salty, sweet, sour and bitter items.[73] The Vishu arrangement typically includes an image of Vishnu, typically as Krishna. People also visit temples on the day.[74]
Bohag Bihu or Rangali Bihu marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year on 13 April. It is celebrated for seven days Vishuva Sankranti (Mesha Sankranti) of the month of Vaisakh or locally 'Bohag' (Bhaskar Calendar). The three primary types of Bihu are Rongali Bihu, Kongali Bihu, and Bhogali Bihu. Each festival historically recognizes a different agricultural cycle of the paddy crops. During Rangali Bihu there are 7 pinnacle phases: 'Chot', 'Raati', 'Goru', 'Manuh', 'Kutum', 'Mela' and 'Chera'.[75]
Pana Sankranti (ପଣା ସଂକ୍ରାନ୍ତି) also known as Maha Vishuba Sankranti marks the Odia new year in Odisha. Celebrations include various types of folk and classical dances, such as the Shiva-related Chhau dance.[76] On this day people hang pieces of Neem branches with leaves in front of their houses believed to have health benefits. They prepare a liquid mixture of jaggery, mango, pepper and other ingredients which is called Pana (ପଣା). An earthen pot with a small hole and a grass (କୁୁଶ) within the hole at the bottom is hung over the Tulasi (ତୁୁୁଳସୀ ଚଉରା). The pot is filled with water daily which acts as a drip to protect the sacred plant from the summer heat.[77]
Main article: Pohela Boishakh |
The Bengali new year is celebrated as Poyla Baishakh on 14 April every year, and a festive Mangal Shobhajatra, started by students of Dhaka University in Bangladesh in 1989,[78] is organized in the Indian states of West Bengal and Tripura, as well as modern-day nation of Bangladesh. This celebration was listed in 2016 by the UNESCO as a cultural heritage of humanity.[79][80]
The festival is celebrated as a national holiday in Bangladesh. Also spelled Pohela Boishakh is also known as Nobo Barsho as it is the first day of the Bengali month of Bongabdo. Fairs are organised to celebrate the event which provides entertainment including the presentation of folk songs.[81]
Puthandu, also known as Puthuvarusham or Tamil New Year, is the first day of the month Chithirai on the Tamil calendar.[70][82][83]
On this day, Tamil people greet each other by saying "Puttāṇṭu vāḻttukkaḷ!" or "Iṉiya puttāṇṭu nalvāḻttukkaḷ!", which is equivalent to "Happy new year".[84] The day is observed as a family time. Households clean up the house, prepare a tray with fruits, flowers and auspicious items, light up the family Puja altar and visit their local temples. People wear new clothes and youngster go to elders to pay respects and seek their blessings, then the family sits down to a vegetarian feast.[85]
In the Mithal region of Bihar and Nepal, the new year is celebrated as Jurshital.[86] It is traditional to use lotus leaves to serve sattu (powdered meal derived from grains of red gram and jau (Hordeum vulgare) and other ingredients) to the family members.[87]
Baisakhi is an important among Pakistani Sikhs. In Undivided Punjab, the Gurdwara's was known for its Baisakhi. Thousands of pilgrims gathered on this day to celebrate the Sikh festival of Baisakhi at the shrines of Panja Sahib and Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev, in Pakistan’s Punjab province. For this festival, thousand's of Sikh pilgrims travelled from India, despite tension between the two South Asian neighbours. Hundreds of Sikhs also joined the Pakistani Sikh community to commemorate the colourful festival in Pakistan, which houses some of the most sacred Sikh sites. The festival included a parade, hymn singing, distribution of food and baths in the holy
Vaisakhi is celebrated as Nepalese New Year[88] because it is the day which marks Hindu Solar New Year[89] as per Vikram Samvat, the Hindu Solar Calendar.[90] Vaisakha is the first month in Nepalese Calendar.[91] The idols of Goddess Thimi Kumari is carried out in palanquins and is taken around the city.[92] People also take bright colors for celebration.
Vaisakhi is celebrated by Sikh community and Indian diaspora in United States of America. People from various Sikh communities across the United States gather at Gurdwaras and offer morning prayers to the perpetual Sikh Guru, Guru Granth Sahib. Once the prayers are over, worshippers are served a popular dessert known as kada Prasad. The procession is a major part of Baisakhi celebrations in United States. The Sikh Holy Scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib features prominently in the processions, as it is carried around while members of the community engage in spiritual songs, prayers, and dance. Baisakhi is a great time to observe the traditional Punjabi dance form known as Bhangra. This energetic dance form involves a lot of jumping. Women from the Sikh communities stick to the dance form known as Gidda, which is somewhat subtler than the Bhangra.
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Vaisakhi (Punjabi: ਵੈਸਾਖੀ , vaisĝkhī, is, as well, known as Baisakhi), it is a very important day for Sikhs and one of the most colourful events in the Sikh calendar. It occurs during mid-April every year and traditionally concurs in Punjab with the first harvesting of the crops for the year. Historically, the festival has been a very joyous occasion and a time for celebration. However, since 1699, it has marked the very significant religious event of the creation of the Khalsa Panth.
Vaisakhi falls on the first day of the Vaisakh month and marks the sun's entry to the Mesha Rasi marking the solar transition to Aries. The day is also described as Mesha Sankranti in India. Vaisakhi is therefore determined by the solar calendar. Baisakhi usually falls on 14 April, and on 15 April once every thirty-six years. Since 2003, the Sikh Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee named the month in which Vaiskahi falls as Baisakh (Vaisakh), making the first day of the second month of Vaisakh according to its new Nanakshahi calendar.[93]
Khalsa tradition started in the year 1699,[14] as it is on this day that the 10th Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh laid down the foundation of the Panth Khalsa, that is the Order of the Pure Ones, by baptizing Sikh warriors to defend religious freedoms.[94][95][96] This gave rise to the Vaisakhi or Baisakhi festival being observed as a celebration of Khalsa panth formation and is also known as Khalsa Sirjana Divas[97] and Khalsa Sajna Divas.[98] The Birth of the Khalsa Panth was on 30 March 1699.[99]
Fairs and melas are held in many places in Punjab to cebelrate the formation of the Khalsa. According to Dogra and Dogra (2003), "an annual fair is held at Takht Kesgarh Sahib on Baisakhi day".[100] A procession is lead through the city of Anandpur to mark the occasion. Other important places where large gatherings take place are Harmandar Sahib, Amritsar and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo.[101] A special celebration takes place at Talwandi Sabo (where Guru Gobind Singh stayed for nine months and completed the recompilation of the Guru Granth Sahib),[102] in the Gurudwara at Anandpur Sahib the birthplace of the Khalsa, and at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.Celebrations include performing the martial art of Gatka using swords, sticks and daggers.[103]
Vaisakhi is a harvest festival for people of Northern India.[104] Chander and Dogra (2003) state that in Punjab, Vaisakhi marks the ripening of the rabi harvest.[105] According to Dhillon (2015), in Punjab, this day is observed as a thanksgiving day by farmers whereby farmers pay their tribute, thanking God for the abundant harvest and also praying for future prosperity.[106] The harvest festival is celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs.[107] In the Punjab, historically, during the early 20th century, Vaisakhi was a sacred day for Hindus and Sikhs and a secular festival for all Muslims and Christians.[108] In modern times, sometimes Christians in Punjab participate in Baisakhi celebrations along with Hindus and Sikhs.[109] The harvest festival is also characterized by the folk dance, Bhangra which traditionally is a harvest dance.
Aawat pauni is a tradition associated with harvesting in the Punjab, which involves people getting together to harvest the wheat. Drums are played while people work. At the end of the day, people sing dohay to the tunes of the drum.[110]
A large number of Sikhs visit Paonta Sahib on the festival of Vaisakhi.[111] According to Sahi (1999), Paonta Sahib "was the abode of Guru Gobind Singh Ji for a couple of years."[112] Paanta Sahib Gurdwara is in Sirmaur district in Himachal Pradesh. The site is located near the river Yamuna. The tricentenary celebrations to mark the birth of the Khalsa were started from Paanta Sahib Gurdwara in 1999.[113]
Gurdwara Dera Nangali Sahib in Jammu was established in 1803. The Gurdwara is situated in the Poonch district of Jammu. An annual gathering takes place at the gurdwara on the on Baisakhi when many people participate in the day-long function of Baisakhi.[114] Dera Nangali Sahib is known as a centre for Sikhism in Jammu.[115] [116] The other important gurdwara is the Dera Baba Banda which is dedicated to Banda Bahadur. The gurdwara is located near Reasi.[117] Baisakhi celebrations take place at this Dera. [118]
Sikhs in Kashmir celebrate Vaisakhi as a religious festival to mark the foundation of the Khalsa. Unlike in the North Indian plains where Vaisalhi is also associated with harvesting, Sikhs in Kashmir mark the day when Guru Gobind Singh baptised the Panj Pyare. Bajan Keertans are held in all gurdwaras in Kashmir. However, the main celebration takes place at Chatti Pathshahi Gurdwara in Rainawari. Sikhs will visit friends and family in Vaisakhi. People will wear special clothes and prepare special food to mark the festival. Sikhs will also visit the gardens and markets. The mode of celebration is believed to be different to the way the festival is celebrated elsewhere.[119]
The Nihang (Punjabi: ਨਿਹੰਗ) or Akali (lit. "the immortals") is an armed Sikh warrior order originating in the Indian subcontinent.[120] Nihang are believed to have originated either from Fateh Singh and the attire he wore[121] or from the "Akali Dal" (lit. Army of the Immortal) started by Guru Hargobind.[122] Early Sikh military history was dominated by the Nihang, known for their victories where they were heavily outnumbered. Traditionally known for their bravery and ruthlessness in the battlefield, the Nihang once formed the irregular guerrilla squads of the armed forces of the Sikh Empire, the Sikh Khalsa Army.
Nihangs mark Vaisakhi in their own unique manner. They will engage in martial arts and participate in Gatkas. They will also exhibit displays of horsemanship. According to Singh and Fenech (2014), Nihangs will move to the city of Amritsar on Vaisakhi day. [123]
According to the Khalsa sambat, the Khalsa calendar starts with the creation of the Khalsa which is 1 Vaisakh 1756 Bikrami (13 April 1699).[124][125] Accordingly, Vaisakhi has been the traditional Sikh New Year.[1][12][126] The festival has been traditionally observed in the Punjab region.[127][128] The alternative Nanakshahi calendar begins its year a month earlier on 1 Chait which generally falls on 14 March and begins with the birth year of the Guru Nanak Dev in 1469.[129]
Pakistan has many sites that are of historic importance to the Sikh faith, such as the birthplace of Guru Nanak. These sites attract pilgrims from India and abroad every year on Vaisakhi.[130][131] Pakistan used to have many more Sikhs, but a vast majority moved to India during the 1947 India-Pakistan partition. Contemporary Pakistan has about 20,000 Sikhs in a total population of about 200 million Pakistanis, or about 0.01%.[132] These Sikhs, and thousands more who arrive from other parts of the world for pilgrimage, observe Vaisakhi in Western Punjab (Pakistan) with festivities centered on the Panja Sahib complex in Hasan Abdal, Gurudwaras in Nankana Sahib, and in various historical sites in Lahore.[133][note 1]
According to Aziz-ud-din Ahmed, Lahore used to have Baisakhi Mela after the harvesting of the wheat crop in April. However, adds Ahmed, the city started losing its cultural vibrancy in 1970s after Zia-ul-Haq came to power, and in recent years "the Pakistan Muslim League (N) government in Punjab banned kite flying through an official edict more under the pressure of those who want a puritanical version of Islam to be practiced in the name of religion than anything else".[137] Unlike the Indian state of Punjab that recognizes the Vaisakhi Sikh festival as an official holiday,[138] the festival is not an official holiday in Punjab or Sindh provinces of Pakistan as Sikhs constitute a very small number in terms of population.[139][140]
In the Province of British Columbia, large, local Sikh communities in the cities of Vancouver, Abbotsford, and Surrey hold their annual Vaisakhi celebrations in April,[141] which include two Nagar Kirtan (parades). The Vancouver parade starts at Ross Street Temple[142] and makes its way through the traditional Punjabi Market in South Vancouver.[143] One week later, the festival in Surrey is one of the largest such celebrations outside of India, having attracted over 200,000 people in 2014,[144] over 350,000 in 2015, and approached 400,000 in 2016. The 2017 attendance in Surrey reportedly topped 400,000, causing organizers to consider future distribution of the festival over several days and local cities, particularly in areas of economic disadvantage which would benefit from the generous charitable efforts seen during Vaisakhi celebrations.[145][146] Record attendance was again experienced in April 2018 in the 20th annual Surrey Vaisakhi parade, with the RCMP officially estimating the crowd at over half a million people in a city with a 2016 census population of 517,887.[147] Starting at the Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar Temple (12885 85th Avenue in Surrey), the parade features a variety of floats, community groups, free food, live music and dancers and performers, and travels along 124th Street, turns left onto 75th Avenue, continues on 76th Avenue, onto 128th Street, then back to the Temple.[148] Kelowna's annual Vaisakhi parade is held a week after Surrey's parade each year and begins and ends at the Sikh Temple on Rutland Road.[149] Victoria's all-day Vaisakhi celebration features a parade that begins and ends at Gurdwara Singh Sabha, 470 Cecelia Road. The 2018 celebrations on 29 April would be the first held in Victoria in over 100 years.[150]
In the Province of Alberta, the Edmonton Vaisakhi parade is held in May and travels between the Gurdwara Singh Sabha (4504 Millwoods Road S) & Gurdwara Millwoods (2606 Millwoods Road E) temples.[151]
In the Province of Nova Scotia, the Halifax-based Maritime Sikh Society holds Vaisakhi celebrations in April featuring Shabad Kirtan performed by professional ragis (musicians).[152]
In the Province of Ontario, the Toronto Vaisakhi Parade is held in April, starting at the Canadian National Exhibition grounds and traveling east to Toronto City Hall, finishing almost three hours later. Following the parade, dignitaries address the gathering until late afternoon.[153] In the city of Malton, a three-hour Nagar Kirtan parade winds from Morning Star, Goreway, Derry Rd, & Airport Rd to Malton Gurdwara Sahib. In the city of Brampton, the Gurudwara Sikh Sangat temple and Gobind Sarvar Gurmat School hold Vaisakhi cultural events such as yoga, pagh (turban) tying, storytelling, and food fairs.[154]
In the Province of Saskatchewan, the Saskatoon Vaisakhi parade is held in May, starting and ending at the Gurudwara Sahib Temple at 331 Lowe Road.[155]
The United Kingdom has a large Sikh community originating from the Indian sub-continent, East Africa[156] and Afghanistan. The largest concentrations of Sikhs in the UK are to be found in the West Midlands (especially Birmingham and Wolverhampton) and London.[157] The Southall Nagar Kirtan is held on a Sunday a week or two before Vaisakhi. The Birmingham Nagar Kirtan is held in late April in association with Birmingham City Council,[158] and is an annual event attracting thousands of people which commences with two separate nagar kirtans setting off from gurdwaras in the city and culminating in the Vaisakhi Mela at Handsworth Park.[159]
Amongst Sikh populations in the United States, there is usually a parade commemorating the Vaisakhi celebration. In Manhattan, New York City[160] people come out to do "Seva" (selfless service) such as giving out free food, and completing any other labor that needs to be done. In Los Angeles, California, the local Sikh community consisting of many gurdwaras[161] holds a full day Kirtan (spiritual music) program followed by a parade.
The Sikh community, a subgroup of the Malaysian Indian ethnic minority race, is an ethnoreligious minority in Malaysia, which is why Vaisakhi is not a public holiday. However, in line with the government's efforts to promote integration among the country's different ethnic and religious groups, the prime minister, Najib Razak has announced that beginning 2013, all government servants from the Sikh Malaysian Indian community will be given a day off on Vaisakhi Day.[162] Vaisakhi 'open houses' are also held across the country during the day of the festival, or the closest weekend to it.
The new year falls on or about the same day every year for many Buddhist communities in parts of South and Southeast Asia. This is likely an influence of their shared culture in the 1st millennium CE.[25] Some examples include:
Vaisakhi is a harvest festival for people of Northern India.[163] Chander and Dogra (2003) state that in Punjab, Vaisakhi marks the ripening of the rabi harvest.[164] Vaisakhi, the Hindu Solar new year, also marks the Nepalese, Punjabi and Bengali New year.[165] Fairs or Melas (fair) are held in many parts of North India to mark the new year and the harvesting season. Vaisakhi fairs take place in various places, including Jammu City, Kathua, Udhampur, Reasi and Samba,[166] in the Pinjore complex near Chandigarh,[167] in Himachal Pradesh cities of Rewalsar, Shimla, Mandi and Prashar Lakes.