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Baisakhi Rituals & Customs

Baisakhi rituals and customs are performed in keeping with the trend that has its roots several hundred years back. The main rituals of Baisakhi revolve around the Guru Granth Sahib. The main venue of these ceremonies is the Gurudwara. Since Baisakhi is also a festival of the farmers who reap the harvest of the seeds they had sown, celebrations are also galore in those regions where farmers are found in large numbers.

Baisakhi rituals and customs for Khalsa Panth
Most of the people visit Anandpur Sahib or the Golden Temple in Amritsar. If you don’t live near any of these, you needn’t worry. You can visit the nearest Gurudwara too. So, on the day of Baisakhi your day kick starts with a visit to the Gurudwara to offer prayers.

Bathing the Holy Scripture The Guru Granth Sahib or the Holy Scripture is taken out and bathed with milk and water. The holy book is again placed on the throne with utmost care and reverence. Verses and teachings of the Holy book are read out to the ones who have assembled at the Gurudwara. Drinking Holy Nectar or Amrita In keeping up with the tradition of the original procession that was held way back in 1699, even today, the procession is enacted. Five priests with the names that resemble the names of the Panch Pyaras or beloved Five of Guru Govind Singh recite verses. Just as amrita was prepared in 1699 and distributed by Guru Govind Singh Ji from an iron vessel, even today, this ritual forms an important part of the Baisakhi rituals and customs observed. Amrita also referred to as “Holy Nectar” is prepared in an iron container. It is given away to the ones who gather at the Gurudwara to hear the verses that are chanted from the Holy Scripture. So, if you happen to be present at that moment, you can get blessings too. This holy nectar is sipped 5 times and people take an oath to maintain brotherhood among all. The rituals are accompanied with kirtans or singing holy songs. Karah Prasad Distribution Once these customs are followed, next it is time to distribute the semolina or Karah Prasad after it is offered to the Guru. Guru Ka Langar An ideal sight that speaks volume about the feeling of brotherhood is when people align in a single row and enjoy their community lunch, also referred to as Guru Ka Langar. An important aspect you need to remember while having the food is you will be required to cover your head with white cloth while eating. Strictly vegetarian food is served at the langar. Processions on Baisakhi The Gurus and elders of the Gurudwara take out Guru Granth Sahib for a procession later during Baisakhi day. The parade is led by the Five Priests. Children, men, and women take part in the procession. Also participating in the procession are drummers and dancers. Oftentimes you will hear chants like “Deg teg fateh”, “Bole so nihal”, “Wahe guru”, and “Sat nam” filling the air as the procession moves forward. You will see men wearing headgear. Baisakhi rituals and customs for agricultural harvest If you visit Punjab, you cannot avoid the excitement and merrymaking moments of the farmers as they enjoy the harvest season. You will be compelled to take part in the celebrations; such is the vigor of the many activities that take place on this day. Men and women wearing colorful jazzy dresses perform bhangra, a traditional dance form of Punjab. Dhol is the main instrument that is played during the dance. This is followed by visiting friends and relatives, eating good food, in some cases exchanging gifts, and anything that brings a lot of happiness and excitement. Of course, before all these celebrations begin, everyone pays a visit to the Gurudwara to offer their prayers.