The 14th of April 2018 marks India’s New Year. This is according to the Indian solar calendar. Baisakhi is also considered a holy festival. Baisakhi is also spelled Vaisakhi. The Solar New Year is celebrated in different names across India. In north India, it is called Baisakhi. In other regions, the names are like ‘Puram Vishu’ in Tamil Nadu, ‘Baisakh’ in Bihar, ‘Rangoli Bihu’ in Assam etc.
It is celebrated enthusiastically by farmers. They go their harvest farming fields. There is a lot of singing, dancing, music, feasts, greetings etc. Often natives visit each other’s homes. Many decorate their homes with colorful lights. Sweets are distributed. Many even visit holy religious sites like Gurudwaras, temples. Prayer, worshiping ceremonies are conducted. Natives pray for prosperity. Farmers call upon for a favorable farming season.
Baisakhi also has a historical significance. Several events took place around this time in history. One of the Sikh Gurus Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, in the Sikh leadership, refused to convert to Islam. The Mughals used to force religious conversion like by Emperor Aurangzeb. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was executed for refusing. It also leads to the formation of a rebellion Group against forced conversion and aggression, on the Baisakhi day.
Jallianwala Bagh massacre also took place on Baisakhi time. There was a huge gathering in the Bagh in Amritsar. Next year will mark the 100th anniversary in remembrance of those martyred by the British. The massacre happened on the 13th of April 1919.
This 14th of April 2018 also marks Ambedkar Jayanti. So there is a double celebration and remembrance. Baisakhi is a restricted holiday. Ambedkar Jayanti is an observance.
Let us celebrate the two occasions this 14th of April 2018; especially for each native, farmers, and to commemorate India’s every step and event in the struggle against injustice, unfairness, aggression and our beloved freedom fighters.
We wish our readers Happy Baisakhi .
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