Baisakhi blessing, class assembly by class 4A.

Baisakhi is New Year's Day in Punjab, and like New Year across the world, it is celebrated with much gusto. The day, besides being the start of a new year, is also a harvest festival, as it marks the maturing of the rabi crop when farmers begin harvesting the grain. They also express their gratitude to God for a generous yield.

For the Sikhs, Baisakhi holds even greater significance as it commemorates the day, in 1699, when the tenth Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh, established the Khalsa Panth; distributed amrit (nectar) to his first group of followers (Panj Piaras) converting them into Sikhs and forming the Sikh community. In Punjab, Baisakhi is celebrated with the utmost fervor and exuberance. Dressed in their distinct folk attire, both men and women express their joy by dancing the Bhangra and Gidda. On this auspicious day, traditionally, the Sikhs visit the Gurudwara and pay their respects. Religious discourses and kirtans are held at gurudwaras, and karah prasad is distributed. Langar or community lunch is also held at gurudwaras. On Baisakhi Day, in honour of the Panj Piaras, religious procession is set out in which five men walk carrying the holy book, with swords in their hands. These men are religious heads who are revered second only to the gurus. Devotional music is played during the procession, and hymns are sung, both along the way and at gurudwaras. [gallery columns="2"]

On the occasion , the children of class 4 presented a wonderful play on the celebration of Baisakhi festival. Some of them were dressed as farmer- folk and vigorously sang the folk song Kheta di mukk gayi raakhio jatta aayi baisakhi Others enacted a conversation to explain the significance of Baisakhi and why it is celebrated. They also explained how and why Baisakhi is considered to be a New Year in Punjab. Some children articulated how Baisakhi is popular in Assam as Rongali Bihu, Bhogali Bihu, Baisakh Bihu; and in Kerala it is known as Vishu. We were informed that Baisakhi fairs are held in Delhi at Majnu Ka Tila. Five children were dressed in the religious attire of Panj Piaras and called out in chorus Waahe Guruji Da Khalsa, Waahe Guruji Di Fateh. Some girls danced to the beats of Gidda and sang along. The assembly concluded with some of our boys broke into Bhangra, as their classmates heartily clapped to the beat. The celebration was enjoyed by all and the class offered hearty Baisakhi wishes to the assembly.

Filed by Ms. Sushila Negi.