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<ul><li>This year, <keyword id="6378646" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="baisakhi">Baisakhi</keyword> falls on April 13, which is a Monday. </li><li>The harvest festival of Baisakhi marks the beginning of the solar year. </li><li>One of the most important festivals in Punjab, Baisakhi holds a special significance for the Sikh community.</li></ul>On April 13, 2020, the whole of Punjab and many parts of Northern India will gear up to celebrate the harvest festival of Baisakhi. On this joyful day, the farmers offer their prayers in thanks for a bountiful harvest of the Rabi crop. Baisakhi is also significant as it marks the founding of the Khalsa Panth community three hundred years ago by the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. Across the country, people celebrate the Baisakhi festival with a lot of fun, merriment and enthusiasm. Baisakhi in Punjab Punjab observes a state-wide holiday on the day of Baisakhi. Schools, colleges and offices remain closed to allow people to celebrate the event. Friends, relatives and neighbours exchange gifts among themselves. Businesses and offices also give away gifts to their employees. With all the gift-giving, there’s usually a surge in shopping ahead of the festival. The shops announce their annual sale offers and heavy discounts are offered on a wide range of items. Even the hotels announce huge discounts to lure in visitors from other states and countries who have come to either participate or observe the celebration of Baisakhi. Baisakhi and Sikhs The Sikh community celebrates Baisakhi by paying homage at Gurdwaras. They distribute offerings like Kada Prasad — a type of semolina halva made with equal portions of whole-wheat flour, clarified butter, and sugar — among the family members and friends. The tradition of Baisakhi was started in 1699 when the Panj Piaras or the ‘beloved five’ were the first five men to be baptised as Sikh and Guru Gobind Singh laid down the Panth Khalsa — the Order of the Pure Ones — according to scripture. Five individuals are chosen to represent the Panj Piaras and lead religious processions organized in the cities and provinces. Kar Sewa — volunteering to help at Gurdwaras — is an important highlight of the day. This act is considered as the expression of the modesty. In Gurdwaras, we can find the recitation of some passages from Guru Granth Sahib, kirtans and traditional songs. Baisakhi and farmers Punjab is rich in agriculture. Since Baisakhi commemorates the harvest season of the Rabi crops, it is a significant event for the farmers in the region. This festival is observed as a day of thanksgiving to the gods and natural elements that facilitated a bountiful harvest. Farmers visit the temples and Gurdwaras on this day wearing new clothes. Baisakhi fairs, bhangra and gidda are performances are common during this time in the state of Punjab. Baisakhi for Hindus and Buddhists Baisakhi marks the beginning of the solar calendar. On this day, the Sun enters the Mesh Rashi, the first one among the twelve zodiac signs. Therefore, this festival is also called as Mesh Sankranti. The other versions of Baisakhi are 'Naba Barsha' of Bengal, 'Rongali Bihu' of Assam, ‘Puthandu’ of Tamil Nadu, ‘Vaishakha’ of Bihar, and 'Pooram Vishu' of Kerala. These are all the variations of the Solar New Year celebrations across different parts of the country. The festival is highly significant for Hindus as well as Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj on this day in 1875. Baisakhi is a holy day for the Buddhists as they believe that Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism attained enlightenment or Nirvana on this day.

Know the significance of Baisakhi, the harvest festival of Punjab

By Aditi Khanna London, Apr 13 () The Sikh festival of Vaisakhi will not be marked with large gatherings and melas in different parts of the UK this year as the community has been urged to stay safe amid the coronavirus pandemic as events stand cancelled. Vaisakhi, which this year falls on Monday, commemorates the creation of the Khalsa, a collective body of Sikhs.Virtual kirtans and shabads being streamed from gurdwaras are aimed at supporting the UK government's stay-at-home message for a festival usually marked by large gatherings and festivities across different parts of the country."As households come together over the coming days for family celebrations, we will be also thinking about how we can support our incredible NHS [National Health Service] people as they care for people through this global health emergency," said Prerana Issar, NHS Chief People Officer."Our NHS staff are doing extraordinary things at this extraordinary time. The best thing we can do is to protect them by following government guidance and staying indoors and washing our hands. Together we can then focus on respecting and celebrating the important upcoming dates and festivals, safely with our families," she said.Under the UK's ongoing social distancing measures to try and curb the spread of Covid-19, gatherings of more than two people in public, including religious gatherings and except for funerals, are banned. Police forces have the power to fine or even arrest individuals breaking that ban as the government has been urging the public to stay the course during what is a long Easter holiday weekend in the UK, including Monday.London's annual Vaisakhi on the Square held at Trafalgar Square, scheduled for next Saturday, was cancelled as Mayor Sadiq Khan took measures to enforce the lockdown measures in the UK capital.The London Mayor said: "Our Trafalgar Square celebrations are key moments that bring communities together from across the capital, but the government has advised that large gatherings should not take place so we will be cancelling them until further notice."It is vital that we take all necessary precautions to ensure the health of all in our city."A similar mega Vaisakhi event held at Handsworth Park in Birmingham, one of the cities with the UK's largest Sikh population, stands cancelled amid the lockdown, with celebrations in Leicester, Southall and Gravesend also called off."No event in the Sikh calendar should endanger lives," said Southall Gurdwara in west London.The events at annual Vaisakhi events, including colourful street processions in the form of nagar kirtans, feeding the community with langars as well as cultural activities including the traditional Sikh martial art of Gatka, have been replaced by a focus on community service to help the vulnerable during the lockdown."Our amazing selfless volunteers are dedicated in helping those in need during this difficult time," said the Khalsa Aid charity, which has been working on food deliveries and other community support initiatives through the pandemic.In social media, an @SikhAssembly initiative is aimed at involving British Sikhs in a "Virtual Vaisakhi" as part of a worldwide celebration including sharing texts, poems, art, photos, video clips.The Sikh Council UK said that special food production guidance compiled by the Sikh Doctors Association had been issued to gurdwaras during the pandemic to aid the production of healthy langars. AK NSA

Events cancelled as UK marks Vaisakhi amid Covid-19 safety calls

The year 2014 is just two days old, marking the beginning of yet another <keyword id="89477" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gregorian-calendar">Gregorian calendar</keyword> year. But revellers who painted the town red and want more party time need not lose heart. Officially, the year has taken off on January 1, but the regional variants of the New Year’s Day still prevail in a country like India – home to a colourful mélange of cultures and traditions. So we are yet to experience a spate of <keyword id="471694" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="New-Year-festivities">New Year festivities</keyword>, celebrated from <keyword id="6354495" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="kashmir">Kashmir</keyword> to Kanyakumari, from the <keyword id="53478" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="North-East">north-east</keyword> to the western coast. 
 Interestingly, both the Gregorian calendar (introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582) and the previous <keyword id="89476" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Julian-calendar">Julian calendar</keyword> (first implemented by Julius Caesar in 46 BC) kick off on the same day – January 1. The Romans originally dedicated the first day of the year to Janus, the god of gates, doors and beginnings, and January, the first month of the year, was named after him. Later on, most nations in Western Europe officially started the New Year from January 1. The UK was a late adopter, though, and observed New Year’s Day on <keyword id="47282" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="march">March</keyword> 25, popularly known as Lady Day since it celebrated Virgin Mary and the Feast of the Annunciation. This practice stayed in England up to 1752. 
 Closer home, we have many time-reckoning systems but the most significant among them is the <keyword id="1998432" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sakabda">Sakabda</keyword> or the <keyword id="1998433" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Saka-calendar">Saka calendar</keyword>. It was introduced in 78 AD, most probably by the Kushan ruler Kanishka, and was even used in other countries such as Kampuchea and Indonesia. Another one is the popular <keyword id="1998435" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bangabda">Bangabda</keyword> or the <keyword id="1282409" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bengali-calendar">Bengali Calendar</keyword>, a <keyword id="1998436" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Solar-calendar">solar calendar</keyword> started by Mughal emperor <keyword id="6363995" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Akbar">Akbar</keyword> in 1584 AD. Then there is the <keyword id="1998437" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Hijri-New-Year">Hijri New Year</keyword>, also known as the <keyword id="1926173" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Islamic-new-year">Islamic New Year</keyword>, which started in 610 AD when <keyword id="6358086" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Prophet-Muhammad">Prophet Muhammad</keyword> migrated from Mecca to <keyword id="89362" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Medina">Medina</keyword>. 
 With so many calendars around and so many regional New Year’s Days to celebrate, it’s time to soak in the traditional rituals once more, mostly observed during the months of <keyword id="368788" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Chaitra">Chaitra</keyword> and <keyword id="1998439" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Baishakh">Baishakh</keyword> (March-April). Here’s a quick look at the key events. 
 
 
 
<keyword id="4349969" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Navreh">Navreh</keyword> – Kashmir: Let us start with Navreh, the New Year’s Day in the <keyword id="911185" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lunar-calendar">lunar calendar</keyword> and observed on the <keyword id="1998440" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Shukla-Pratipada">Shukla Pratipada</keyword> (first day of the waxing moon) in the month of Chaitra (March-April). It is the <keyword id="1998441" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Oldest-New-Year-celebration">oldest New Year celebration</keyword>, and finds mention in historical works such as Nilamat Purana, <keyword id="1998443" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kalhana">Kalhana</keyword>’s <keyword id="1998442" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rajtarangini">Rajtarangini</keyword> and Persian scholar <keyword id="1792427" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Al-Biruni">Al-Biruni</keyword>’s writing. Each household prepares the ‘<keyword id="1998444" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Holi-thali">holi thali</keyword>’ with great care, containing food, flower and other essentials, and it is viewed at the dawn of Navreh while family members pray for <keyword id="6383453" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Wealth">wealth</keyword>, knowledge and <keyword id="23119" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="good-luck">good luck</keyword>. From this day, <keyword id="1998445" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nav-Durga-Puja">Nav Durga Puja</keyword> or <keyword id="31525" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Navratra">Navratra</keyword> also begins in Kashmir and continues for 9 days. 
 
<keyword id="1296432" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Chaitti">Chaitti</keyword> – <keyword id="6358126" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Himachal-Pradesh">Himachal Pradesh</keyword>: In this hill state, the New Year’s Day is celebrated on the first day of Chaitra according to the <keyword id="1998446" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Vikrami-calendar">Vikrami calendar</keyword> and festivals such as <keyword id="48284" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="navratri">Navratri</keyword> and <keyword id="1998448" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ralli-Puja">Ralli Puja</keyword> are held throughout the month in honour of Goddess Durga/Bhagwati. The month-long Ralli Puja ends in the marriage of Lord Shiva and the goddess as spinsters seek blessings of the divine duo for a spouse like Lord Shiva. 
 
<keyword id="42862" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ugadi">Ugadi</keyword> – <keyword id="37102" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Andhra-Pradesh">Andhra Pradesh</keyword> &amp; <keyword id="6354780" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Karnataka">Karnataka</keyword>: It is celebrated on the same day as Navreh, in the month of Chaitra, and marks the beginning of the South Indian lunar year. People of these southern states believe that Lord Brahma began the creation of the universe on this auspicious day. Houses are decorated with mango leaves and <keyword id="202308" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rangoli">rangoli</keyword> designs; Panchanga or the <keyword id="1998452" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Religious-almanac">religious almanac</keyword> is recited and puja offerings are made for a prosperous New Year. Ugadi <keyword id="758269" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="pachadi">pachadi</keyword>, the traditional dish of six flavours made of <keyword id="6441002" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="neem">neem</keyword>, <keyword id="137842" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="jaggery">jaggery</keyword> &amp; banana, salt, green chilli/pepper, tamarind juice and unripe mango, is also relished on this occasion to acknowledge six different aspects of life. 
 
<keyword id="608876" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gudhi-Padva">Gudhi Padva</keyword> – <keyword id="13126" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Maharashtra">Maharashtra</keyword> &amp; <keyword id="826" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Goa">Goa</keyword>: Observed on the same day as Navreh and Ugadi (Chaitra Shukla Pratipada), the New Year festivities in these states celebrate the bounty of Nature. Houses are decked up with rangoli and colourful gudhi – a bright-hued, embellished silk banner tied to a decorated <keyword id="1808323" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="bamboo-pole">bamboo pole</keyword> and an upside down brass/silver pot fitted on the top. A day after Gudhi Padva, <keyword id="127745" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Cheti-Chand">Cheti Chand</keyword> or the <keyword id="610532" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sindhi-New-Year">Sindhi New Year</keyword> is observed to celebrate the birth anniversary of <keyword id="1998458" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ishtadeva-Uderolal">Ishtadeva Uderolal</keyword> or <keyword id="987886" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Jhulelal">Jhulelal</keyword>, the patron saint of the Sindhis. Lord Varuna, the water god, is also worshipped on this day, followed by <keyword id="6771793" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="feasting">feasting</keyword> and <keyword id="240265" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="devotional-music">devotional music</keyword>. 
 
Varuda Pirappu/Puthandu – <keyword id="20154" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="tamil-nadu">Tamil Nadu</keyword>: Held in mid-April, the <keyword id="6407830" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tamil-New-Year">Tamil New Year</keyword>’s Day is celebrated on the first day of Chithirai, which is the first month of the traditional <keyword id="525554" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tamil-calendar">Tamil calendar</keyword>. Just like Navreh, the day begins with <keyword id="1998464" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Auspicious-sighting">auspicious sighting</keyword> or <keyword id="1009356" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="kanni">Kanni</keyword>, as people <keyword id="1873" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Worship">worship</keyword> <keyword id="13726" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="rice">rice</keyword> &amp; farm products, <keyword id="119992" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="precious-metals">precious metals</keyword> and <keyword id="1246513" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="new-clothes">new clothes</keyword>. Ritualistic patterns called kolams are drawn; traditional lamps or kuthu vilakkus are lighted and placed in the centre, and brass bowls known as niraikudums are filled with water to usher in <keyword id="73094" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="prosperity">prosperity</keyword> and <keyword id="800742" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="fulfillment">fulfillment</keyword>. It is followed by the <keyword id="1998469" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Almanac-worship">almanac worship</keyword> called <keyword id="1998471" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Panchanga-Puja">Panchanga Puja</keyword>. And the festive meal features pachadi, fruits and payasam or dessert. 
 
<keyword id="345699" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Vishu">Vishu</keyword> – <keyword id="28504" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kerala">Kerala</keyword>: Vishu is the <keyword id="1010370" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Malayalam-New-Year">Malayalam New Year</keyword>’s Day, observed in Kerala on the first day of the Malayalam month of Medam. As in other South Indian states, auspicious sighting and other rituals are observed as part of the celebration; <keyword id="51941" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="firecrackers">firecrackers</keyword> are burst and an elaborate <keyword id="1998461" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Festive-lunch">festive lunch</keyword> called <keyword id="1998473" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sadya">sadya</keyword> is served. 
 
 
 
<keyword id="1334751" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Poila-Baishakh">Poila Baishakh</keyword> – <keyword id="6357783" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="West-Bengal">West Bengal</keyword>: The Bengali New Year’s Day is celebrated in the month of Baishakh (mostly on <keyword id="6364510" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="april">April</keyword> 14). Also known as <keyword id="989326" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Naba-Barsha">Naba Barsha</keyword>, <keyword id="27928" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lord-Ganesha">Lord Ganesha</keyword> and <keyword id="462664" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Goddess-Lakshmi">Goddess Lakshmi</keyword>, deities of wealth, are worshipped on this day while businesses open fresh ledgers known as <keyword id="1998474" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Haal-Khata">Haal Khata</keyword>. Feasting, festivities and <keyword id="6409104" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="cultural-programmes">cultural programmes</keyword> are the main attractions here. <keyword id="1998475" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Maithili-New-Year">Maithili New Year</keyword> <keyword id="1998426" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Juri-Sheetal">Juri Sheetal</keyword> is also celebrated on this day. 
 
<keyword id="1998425" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Maha-Vishuva-Sankranti">Maha Vishuva Sankranti</keyword> – <keyword id="6357961" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Odisha">Odisha</keyword>: In neighbouring Odisha, the New Year’s Day is also known as <keyword id="1998476" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Pana-Sankranit">Pana Sankranit</keyword> or <keyword id="1998424" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Jala-Sankranti">Jala Sankranti</keyword> or <keyword id="1998427" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mesha-Sankranti">Mesha Sankranti</keyword> that marks the beginning of a year in the solar calendar. Traditionally held on the first day of Baishakh (mid-April), a sweet drink called <keyword id="1998477" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Pana">Pana</keyword> is made using fruits, card, milk, water and sugar/jaggery and bestowed as <keyword id="1998478" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Puja-offering">puja offering</keyword>. People also drink Pana and water is offered to all, even to birds and animals, for a month. Throughout this period, <keyword id="1998479" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Goddess-Hingula">Goddess Hingula</keyword> is worshipped for driving the evil away. Devotees often keep fast and perform penances as part of the rituals. 
 
Rongali/Bohag Bihu – <keyword id="6354915" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Assam">Assam</keyword>: Held in the month of Baishakh (mid-April), this weeklong colourful and vibrant festival not only marks the beginning of a year in the solar calendar, but also heralds the new agricultural season. As in all other states, pujas are offered to ensure a prosperous year ahead; <keyword id="974604" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="festive-food">festive food</keyword> such as pitha and laru is made and shared, and young people get together to choose their life partners. Fairs are held; games are played, and the traditional <keyword id="1998481" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bihu-songs">Bihu songs</keyword> &amp; dances make it the perfect season for jollity and merriment. 
 
<keyword id="1998480" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Cheiraoba">Cheiraoba</keyword> – <keyword id="6359754" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Manipur">Manipur</keyword>: Moving further north-east, one gets to celebrate the Manipuri New Year Sajibu Cheiraoba in the month of April. Puja offerings, delicious food and festivities mark this occasion as well. In addition, locals climb the nearest hill tops, thus aspiring to rise to great heights in real life. 
 
Baisakhi/Vaisakhi – <keyword id="6354953" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Punjab">Punjab</keyword>: Traditionally a <keyword id="404010" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="harvest-festival">harvest festival</keyword>, the <keyword id="1011009" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Punjabi-New-Year">Punjabi New Year</keyword>’s Day is held on April 13/14 (the first day of the second month of the year, according to the Nanakshahi Calendar). It is a significant day for the <keyword id="81001" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sikh-community">Sikh community</keyword> as well since they celebrate the day in honor of the 10th guru, <keyword id="138545" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Guru-Gobind-Singh">Guru Gobind Singh</keyword>, who did away with the <keyword id="6434481" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Caste-System">caste system</keyword>. Otherwise, fun, food and <keyword id="1998485" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Country-dances">country dances</keyword> like <keyword id="6920" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bhangra">Bhangra</keyword> and <keyword id="465865" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="giddha">Giddha</keyword>, keeping time with the beats of dhols and drums, mark this occasion. 
 
<keyword id="585610" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bestu-Varas">Bestu Varas</keyword> – <keyword id="6354766" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gujarat">Gujarat</keyword>: In certain parts of northern and western India, Diwali heralds the New Year and Gujarat is one of them. Bestu Varas is held a day after the Festival of Lights, in the month of <keyword id="6376330" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kartik">Kartik</keyword> (October-November) and houses are splendidly decked up with <keyword id="5823" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Flowers">flowers</keyword>, rangoli and torans (door hangings). Pujas are offered; New Year <keyword id="54214" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Fireworks">fireworks</keyword> are everywhere and gifts are generously exchanged. And one must not forget the festive food either, especially the delectable and traditional snacks of Gujarat such as <keyword id="107294" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="farsan">farsan</keyword>. 
 
Images: Wikipedia

New Year Festivities
Not Over Yet; Here Is How India
Celebrates

<keyword id="3001" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pakistan" source="Orion">Pakistan</keyword>'s caretaker Religious Affairs Minister Aneeq Ahmed on Thursday said the country has initiated efforts to increase the number of <keyword id="28599" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sikh" source="Orion">Sikh</keyword> and Hindu pilgrims from <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword> as their numbers have dwindled in recent years, amidst the chill in bilateral ties. Speaking to reporters during his visit to the Evacuee Property Trust Board (EPTB), which looks after the holy places of minorities in the country, Ahmed said that under an agreement between Pakistan and India at least 7,500 Sikh and 1,000 Hindu pilgrims from India could visit Pakistan each year. "Since the number of Indian pilgrims is less than the agreed one during the last many years, we have initiated efforts to increase the number of pilgrims from India," he said. There are two major events -- Baba Guru Nanak's birth anniversary and Vaisakhi Mela -- celebrated in Pakistan in which around 5,000 Indian Sikhs participated last year. Similarly, less than 300 Indian Hindus visited Pakistan last year to celebrate the birth anniversary of Shiv Avtari Satguru Sant Sawami Shadaram Sahib at Hayat Pitafi Sindh province and Katas Raj temples in Chakwal, Punjab province, last year. Bilateral relations between Islamabad and New Delhi have been tense since August 2019 when India changed the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. On India's ties with Pakistan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has made it clear that it is not possible for India to have normal relations with the neighbouring country until the policy of cross-border terrorism is abrogated. Ahmed said that the ETPB offered scholarships worth 13 million Pakistani Rupees to non-Muslim students in the country last year. The minister said a lot of work has to be done to increase religious tourism to promote the soft image of Pakistan. EPTB Chairman Ataur Rehman told the federal minister that the board owns 109,000 acres of agricultural and non-agricultural land across the country.

Pak making efforts to woo more Sikh, Hindu pilgrims from India: Minister

May Waheguru bless you with growth, health, and peace on this festival of harvest. Celebrate Baisakhi with love and joy! On this Vaisakhi, let us pray it will be a year with new peace, new happiness, and an abundance of new friends. May God bless you throughout the coming season. Happy Vaisakhi! May God shower you with endless blessing, love, and happiness! <keyword id="6430900" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="happy-baisakhi" source="Orion">Happy Baisakhi</keyword> wishes to you and your family! Happy Birthday to Khalsa. A reminder to forever stand up, speak up, and fight against injustice. Happy Baisakhi! I convey my heartiest wishes to you and your family on the glorious occasion of Vaisakhi. May this be the beginning of a lucky year ahead! May you sing the song of happiness! May you blossom like the fresh beautiful flowers! May your each day make you stronger! I wish you always walk on the path of truthfulness Happy Baisakhi! Celebrate today and continue to celebrate in spirit every day the creation of the Khalsa. Happy Vaisakhi! May divine blessings shower on you and bring new hope, new joy and cheer. I convey my warm greetings and best wishes to all on this joyous Vaisakhi. May all your good deeds be accepted by Waahe Guru and may you never deviate from the right path. Happy Vaisakhi! Stand by truth and fight evil... May Guru’s blessings shower on us on this auspicious day...Happy Vaisakhi May the cheerful festival of Vaisakhi usher in good times and happiness that you so rightly deserve. Have a wonderful day. Happy Vaisakhi! Celebrate the joyous occasion of Vaisakhi with fun. Wishing you and your family a fun filled Vaisakhi and a prosperous year ahead. Happy Vaisakhi! I wish for you on Baisakhi, that all your wishes come true, may the Almighty accept all your wishes. May you get the best rewards for your benevolent deeds! Wishing that your life will be filled with the golden blessings of the Guru. Let his grace always shine on you and your family. On this joyous occasion, may Waheguru accept your hard word &amp; reward you a life full of success in your life. Happy Baisakhi!

Happy Baisakhi 2022 messages and wishes

Silver Spring (US) Apr 13 (AP) This year the temple gathering, and the pizza that highlights the children's menu at the Guru Nanak Mission's Vaisakhi celebration will be home delivery.Vaisakhi, set for April 14, marks the day in 1699 when Sikhism took its current form. Like other religions that are altering celebrations of significant spring holidays, the Sikhs are considering how to acknowledge the day in a time of social distancing and closed houses of worship. Gone are the group prayers, services and history reflections at the gurdwaras (temples). Gone too are the processions filled with hymns.In Oakland, New Jersey, for example, the Guru Nanak Mission service normally includes prayer and worship, but also arts, crafts and special foods. "It's festival like," said Guldeep Singh Sethi, the mission's general secretary. "It's very significant. It's definitely a celebration. It's a happy time." For adults that means Indian cuisine. Children have a less traditional menu: pizza and pasta.Instead, Sikhs will join Christians, Jews, Muslims and Hindus in taking services for major holidays online, Sethi said.Plans were scuttled to host two preachers from India for the holiday because of travel restrictions the Indian government imposed. "The preachers that were coming especially for this are not able to travel," Sethi said. Instead, the Granthi, or main pastor, will livestream the message in Punjabi to the members from an empty hall. Music will be provided by three singers, all keeping their distance from one another."The main thing is it should be safe," Sethi said. "Right now, everyone is at home." Pardeep Singh Gill, president of the Sikh Religious Society, Palatine, Illinois, said the gurdwara –- place of worship -– would usually be used to celebrate the holiday April 19, the closest upcoming weekend. "This year no programs are planned," he said.The message going out to worshipers by livestream is simple: "Please don't come to gurdwara. Under the circumstances, that's the best option." (AP) CPS

Virus forces home delivery of Sikh holiday fare and prayers

Banks will remain shut on these days in 2021 — check the full list here

How often have you kicked yourself for missing out on planning ahead for a long weekend? Here’s a chance to plan your long holidays, or even short breaks from work, without exhausting your leaves by planning them around the <keyword id="6359022" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="long-weekends" source="Orion">long weekends</keyword> in 2022. And, guess what? We have also included information on truncated weeks, where you can make a longer holiday by taking just a day or two off from work. Some of these public holidays may be national, others may apply in specific regions within India. It may also depend on the policy of your employers. While this may not be an exhaustive list, it’s definitely something that will help you plan your leaves better. These are the long weekends and weeks with public holidays in between. January 2022 - Long weekends Friday, 31 December - Take a leave Saturday, 1 January - New Year’s Day Sunday, 2 January Thursday, 13 January - Pongal (Restricted holiday) Friday, 14 January - Makar Sankranti (Restricted holiday) Saturday, 15 January Sunday, 16 January Wednesday, 26 January - Republic Day Thursday, 27 January - Take a leave Friday, 28 January - Take a leave Saturday, 29 January Sunday, 30 January February/March 2022- Long weekends Saturday, 26 February Sunday, 27 February Monday, 28 February - Take a leave Tuesday, 1 March - Mahashivratri Friday, 18 March, - Holi Saturday, 19 March Sunday, 20 March April 2022 - Long weekends Thursday, 14 April - Mahavir Jayanti/ Vaisakhi / Dr Ambekar Jayanti Friday, 15 April - Good Friday Saturday, 16 April Sunday, 17 April May 2022 - Long weekends Saturday, 30 April Sunday, 1 May Monday, 2 May - Take a leave Tuesday, 3 May - Eid-ul-Fitr Saturday, 14 May Sunday, 15 May Monday, 16 May - Buddha Purnima July 2022 - Long weekends Friday, 1 July - Rath Yatra (Restricted holiday) Saturday, 2 July Sunday, 3 July August 2022 - Long weekends Saturday, 6 August Sunday, 7 August Monday, 8 August - Muharram Thursday, 11 August - Rakshabandhan (Restricted holiday) Friday, 12 August - Take a leave Saturday, 13 August Sunday, 14 August Monday, 15 August - Independence Day Tuesday, 16 August - Parsi New Year (Restricted holiday) Friday, 19 August - Janmashthami Saturday, 20 August Sunday, 21 August September 2022- Long weekends Wednesday, 31 August - Ganesh Chaturthi Thursday, 1 September - Take a leave Friday, 1 September - Take a leave Saturday, 2 September Sunday, 3 September Thursday, 8 September - Onam (Restricted holiday) Friday, 9 September - Take a leave Saturday, 10 September Sunday, 11 September October 2022 - Long weekends Saturday, 1 October Sunday, 2 October - Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti Monday, 3 October - Maha Ashtami (Restricted holiday) Tuesday, 4 October - Maha Navami - Maha Navami (Restricted holiday) Wednesday, 5 October - Dussehra Saturday, 22 October Sunday, 23 October Monday, 24 October - Diwali November 2022 - Long weekends Saturday, 5 November Sunday, 6 November Monday, 7 November - Take a leave Tuesday, 8 November - Guru Nanak Jayanti December 2022 - Long weekends Saturday, 24 December Sunday, 25 December - Christmas Monday, 26 December - Take a leave Friday, 30 December - Take a leave Saturday, 31 December Sunday, 1 January - New Year’s Day

Plan your leaves around long weekends in 2022

Holiday list 2021 - checkout complete holiday calendar for 2021

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="67995" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Queen-Elizabeth-II">Queen Elizabeth II</keyword> addressed the UK in her annual <keyword id="8206" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Christmas">Christmas</keyword> Day speech, which was televised on Friday.</li><li>The 94-year-old monarch spoke about the significance of light for people of all faiths and said that "hope" and "unity" prevailed although communities weren't able to gather and celebrate as usual this year.</li><li><keyword id="79545" type="POSITION" weightage="60" keywordseo="The-Queen">The Queen</keyword> reflected on the coronavirus pandemic, saying it led to challenges but a sense of unity around the UK and globally.</li><li>She also addressed how the holiday season may be "tinged with sadness" for people who are mourning the loss of family or friends, or who are forced to spend time alone for safety.</li></ul>In her annual Christmas speech, <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/the-queen">Queen Elizabeth II</a> reflected on a year of challenges and unity brought on by the coronavirus pandemic and offered a wish for the new year: "We need life to go on."The 94-year-old monarch began her speech by recognizing the significance of light in several religious and cultural communities."For Christians, Jesus is 'the light of the world,' but we can't celebrate his birth today in quite the usual way. People of all faiths have been unable to gather as they would wish for their festivals, such as Passover, Easter, Eid, and Vaisakhi," the Queen said in her speech. "But we need life to go on.""Last month, fireworks lit up the sky around Windsor, as Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights, providing joyous moments of hope and unity despite social distancing," she added.<div type="image" title="queen christmas speech" height="1500" width="2000" msid="79957612" hostid="261"></div>The Queen continued by noting that the year's challenges have united communities in the UK and around the world - a sentiment similar to what she expressed in two rare speeches she gave in April of this year: one addressing the <a href="https://www.insider.com/queen-elizabeth-ii-full-speech-coronavirus-video-2020-4">coronavirus pandemic</a>, and the other commemorating <a href="https://www.insider.com/queen-elizabeth-ii-easter-speech-2020-4">Easter</a>."Remarkably, a year that has necessarily kept people apart has, in many ways, brought us closer," the Queen said in her Christmas Day broadcast. "Across the Commonwealth, my family and I have been inspired by stories of people volunteering in their communities, helping those in need."The royal also offered her thanks to frontline workers who continue to "shine that lamp for us - supported by the amazing achievements of modern science.""We continue to be inspired by the kindness of strangers and draw comfort that, even on the darkest nights, there is hope in the new dawn," the royal said.She also recognized that for many, the holiday season may be "tinged with sadness," as people are "mourning the loss of those dear to them, and others missing friends and family members distanced for safety, when all they'd really want for Christmas is a simple hug or a squeeze of the hand. If you are among them, you are not alone, and let me assure you of my thoughts and prayers."<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zL9JR0A4yCU">Watch the Queen's full address on YouTube.</a><h2>The Queen's Christmas Day speech has been a tradition since 1952</h2>Since 1952, the Queen's voice has filled the homes of people around the world on Christmas Day. The <a href="https://www.royal.uk/history-christmas-broadcast">royal Christmas Broadcast</a> started in 1932, when the Queen's grandfather, King George V, gave the first address. The Queen's Christmas Day speech was skipped only <a href="https://www.insider.com/queen-elizabeth-royal-family-christmas-traditions-2019-12">one time</a> - in 1969, when a documentary, "<keyword id="72980" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="royal-family">Royal Family</keyword>," aired on TV in place of her address.<div type="image" title="queen elizabeth II first christmas broadcast" height="2445" width="3260" msid="79957614" hostid="261"></div>The Queen filmed her 2020 broadcast on Christmas Eve from Windsor Castle, <a href="https://www.insider.com/where-members-of-the-royal-family-are-self-isolating-2020-4">where she has been isolating with Prince Philip since March</a>. It's the first time <a href="https://www.insider.com/queen-could-break-royal-christmas-tradition-sandringham-2020-10">since 1988</a> that the Queen has spent the holiday away from her Sandringham Estate, where the royal family traditionally gathers for Christmas.This year, the monarch's speech was televised in the UK, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zL9JR0A4yCU">broadcast on the royal family's official social media accounts</a>, and for the first time, <a href="https://www.insider.com/queen-christmas-speech-alexa-amazon-2020-12">available via Amazon Echo</a>. <h2>This year, a British TV channel came under fire for airing a deepfake version of the Queen's speech</h2>On Friday, prior to the Queen's official speech being aired, the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/deepfake-queen-channel-4-under-fire-for-alternative-christmas-message-2020-12">UK's Channel 4 sparked controversy when it aired a preview of a video that showed a deepfake - or a digitally altered figure - of the Queen</a>, voiced by actor Debra Stephensen, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/dec/24/channel-4-under-fire-for-deepfake-queen-christmas-message">according to The Guardian</a>.The video supposedly shows the fake version of the Queen discussing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's departure from their official duties in the royal family, as well as Prince Andrew, the Duke of York's relationship with the disgraced financier and alleged sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.Ian Katz, Channel 4's director of programmes, told The Guardian that the deepfake version of the Queen's Christmas address is meant to serve as a "powerful reminder that we can no longer trust our own eyes."<ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/queen-elizabeth-repeat-outfits-reason-2020-12">The Queen can only repeat an outfit 2 or 3 times before it's redesigned or reserved for private events</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/biggest-royal-scandals-from-this-year-2020-10">The biggest royal scandals of 2020, from Prince William's reported COVID-19 'cover up' to Prince Harry and Meghan's rift with Trump</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/photos-princess-charlotte-looks-like-prince-william-christmas-card-2020-12">Princess Charlotte looks just like her dad Prince William in the royal family's Christmas card</a></li></ul>

The Queen said in her Christmas Day broadcast that 2020 has 'brought us closer' but 'we need life to go on'

Sikhs call Diwali as Bandi Chhor Diwas. This is one of the most important festivals in the list of important celebrations for the Sikh community. Literally translated as the day of liberation, Bandi Chhor Diwas celebrates the historic event of the sixth guru of the <keyword id="2229060" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sikhs-Guru-Hargobind">Sikhs Guru Hargobind</keyword> being released from the prison by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir along with 52 other kings. Bandi Chhor Diwas is celebrated in a grad manner along with other Sikh festivals like Vaisakhi, Maghi, Holi with Hola Mohalla and Gurpurab. The highlights of this Sikh festival include processions, feats, lighting of lamps in homes and Gurdwaras, charities and family get-togethers. The best day to visit Gurdwaras For the Sikhs, the day of Diwali or Bandi Chhor Diwas is the most suspicious day to visit the Gurdwaras. They organize a street procession called Nagar Keertan. A ritual known as Akhand Paath consisting of the continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib is also undertaken on this day. The whole complex of Shri Harmandir Sahib is decorated gorgeously with lights and festoons. In the temple, there are highly inspiring music programs by renowned musicians. Sikhs visit Gurdwaras with their families on this day and spend their time involving in spiritual activities. The history behind the festival Guru Arjun, the father of Guru Hargobind and the fifth Guru of the Sikhs was arrested by the Mughal emperor Jahangir. Since he refused to convert to Islam, Jahangir tortured and killed him in 1606 AD. The martyrdom of Guru Arjun is greatly remembered and venerated in the history of Sikhism. Following the execution of Guru Arjun, his son acceded the throne of the Sikhs as the sixth Guru. Military dimension to the Sikh community During his accession ceremony, Guru Hargobind wore two swords indicating his spiritual and temporal authority that were called as Piri and Miri respectively. Due to the execution of his father Guru Arjun by Jahangir, Guru Hargobind Singh gave a military dimension to the Sikh religion. He enjoined the Sikhs to carry arms and fight with the enemies. Guru Hargobind was imprisoned In the pretext that the fine imposed on his father was not paid, Guru Hargobind was arrested and imprisoned in the Gwalior Fort by Jahangir. Around 1619, Guru Hargobind was released from jail after about twelve years of imprisonment along with 52 Hindu kings of other states. The Sikh tradition says Guru Gobind was released on Diwali and this important event came to be celebrated as Bandi Chhor Diwas. Celebration at the Bandi Chor Gurudwara There is a Sikh temple built on the site of Guru Hargobind’s imprisonment. This temple is called as Bandi Chhor Gurdwara. On the event of Diwali or Bandi Chhor Diwas, huge celebrations go on at this temple with lighting of earthen lamps and candles and some attractive fireworks and displays. In spirit and practice, Bandi Chhor Diwas celebrations resemble Diwali festivities in several ways. Both these festivals are centered on the theme of victory of good over evil. Such similarities in the celebrations bring the Hindu and Sikh communities together to celebrate Diwali in a tone of merriment and sense of triumph.

You Searched For "Vaisakhi" and got 11 results

Know the significance of Baisakhi, the harvest festival of Punjab

BI India Bureau

Events cancelled as UK marks Vaisakhi amid Covid-19 safety calls

PTI

New Year Festivities Not Over Yet; Here Is How India Celebrates

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Pak making efforts to woo more Sikh, Hindu pilgrims from India: Minister

PTI

Happy Baisakhi 2022 messages and wishes

BI India Bureau

Virus forces home delivery of Sikh holiday fare and prayers

PTI

Banks will remain shut on these days in 2021 — check the full list here

BI India Bureau

Plan your leaves around long weekends in 2022

BI India Bureau

Holiday list 2021 - checkout complete holiday calendar for 2021

BI India Bureau

The Queen said in her Christmas Day broadcast that 2020 has 'brought us closer' but 'we need life to go on'

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What Do The Sikhs Commonly Call Diwali As

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