Vaisakhi, Then and Now
Sixteeenth Century Story
In 1567 Guru Amar Dasji first declared Vaisakhi as one of the special days when all the Sikhs present in Goindwal would receive special blessings from him. The ninth Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadurji stood up for the rights of Hindus and Sikhs. However, in 1699 the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb wanted to spread Islam in India therefore, he publicly beheaded Guru Tegh Bahadurji. Then, his son Guru Gobind Singhji became the tenth Guru. At the Vaisakhi celebrations at Keshgarh Sahib near Anandpur, where the congregation assembled for his blessings, with a powerful speech he demanded that anyone willing to sacrifice his life, come forward. As the story goes, in a very dramatic manner, he chose the ‘Beloved Five’ or ‘Panj Piara’ . He then instructed them to protect anyone in need from injustice. Guru Gobind Singhji then organized the Khalsa Pantha – the Order of the Pure Ones by giving ‘Amrit’ (sacred nectar) to one and all irrespective of caste or race. Guru Gobind Singhji, encouraged total surrender of one’s life in the service of ‘Akal’ (God – the Timeless One) and created the Sikh religion. According to historians, for several centuries following that, the first born son from each Hindu family in Punjab was ordained as a Sikh. That was the first documented story of anti – racism and anti – casteism and seen as a step forward towards national integration in India. He also discontinued the tradition of gurus and asked all Sikhs to accept the ‘Granth Sahib’ holy book as their eternal guide. To further empower all Sikhs and do away with distinctions based on caste or race, he gave men the title Singh (Lion) and women the title Kaur (Princess).
Festival Celebrations
Vaisakhi is celebrated on the first day of Vaisakh month according to the Nanakshahi or Sikh calendar based on the solar cycle and as per the English calendar corresponds to April 13th each year. Vaisakhi is a major festival signifying the day of ‘Thanksgiving’ for the bountiful harvest of the winter Rabi crops and a prayer for future prosperity by the farmers in Punjab. All the villagers wake up early, bathe in the river or pond and wear bright – coloured traditional outfits men wear kurtas, lungis and pagdis & the women wear salwar khameez or lehengas. First they visit the gurudwara or temple to pray and then everyone sits together and shares a wholesome meal ‘ Langar’ – cooked, served and clean up by men and women together. Relatives and friends celebrate as one big happy family. Gifts are also exchanged. Acts of charity to society form an important part of this day. As the day progresses, several Vaisakhi fairs are organized and attended by all Punjabis – Hindus and Sikhs. In the open fields, the very energetic and popular performances of Bhangra and Giddha traditional folk-dancing are enjoyed by men, women and children in their colorful costumes. Dancers perform daily farm activities of sowing, harvesting, winnowing and gathering of crops presented very gracefully and with great zest. The energetic body movements and jumps are accompanied by the singing of ballads and the rhythm of the Dhols. The songs sometimes talk about the weather, harvesting, certain social graces, some embarrassing moments between young couples, or advice for new brides to cope with different family members. Grievances are set aside and the celebrations happen in a caring and fun – filled atmosphere with cheerful banter. The fairs also have numerous stalls for games, toys, delicious food, clothing, jewellery, decorative and household items. Thus, Vaisakhi is still celebrated as a major festival in Punjab.
Twenty – first century celebrations
In the 21st century in UK, USA and Canada, the celebrations are symbolic of all this religious & social history and then some. Most of us have never been to a farm nor are we familiar with the challenges faced by farmers on a daily basis. Gone are the days when a very young bride was married to someone in a faraway village. Then, she had to move after marriage and start an entirely new life with total strangers. Today, social situations and value systems have undergone great changes. We do not all need to grow crops – we have grocery stores to get them from. However, some immigrants still miss those aspects of their previous lives. Some of us still believe in prayer but, ALL of us believe in fun and enjoyment. So, in the Western world we have made adaptations to accommodate different societal needs. We have huge ‘Baisakhi Melas’ in cities such as L.A., New York, Vancouver, Toronto and Edmonton. More than a quarter million people of all religions Sikh, Hindu, Muslim, Christians, etc. attend these events in some cities. Whole areas of streets are closed off along parade routes which stretch over miles. Parades have several beautifully decorated floats. The main float carries the ‘Guru Granth Sahibji’ (holy book) and blessings in the form of ‘Kada Pershad’ (sacred sweet dish) and almonds and fruit that are generously distributed by the Granthis or priests and voluntary donations are collected. Chants of ‘Sat Naam’; ‘Bole So Nihal’ ‘Sat Sri Akal’ and ‘Wahe Guru’ fill the air as that float moves on. Following are martial arts displays by young students both boys & girls and floats with children singing kirtans (hymns) accompanied by the Harmonium and Tabla portraying great skill, strength, devotion and practice by the young ones. It is truly heartwarming to see youngsters involved in such activities. Kudos to their Gurus and parents for all the effort to keep them as caring, productive members of society and out of trouble. Everyone partakes of the delicious free vegetarian food stalls generously donated by various businesses and families of the local Indian community. All traditional foods such as Chole Bhature, Kadhi Chawal, Rajma, Aloo Poori, Kachori, Pakodas, Chaat, Masala Tea, fresh fruits, fresh spicy lime juice, yogourt, Jalebi, Gulab Jamun, fresh sugarcane juice & vegetable or paneer cutlets are served. Nowadays, Bhangra and Giddha and other traditional Indian dances and music are performed on stages and enjoyed by all. Open teaching of Bhangra and audience participation is encouraged. ‘Kavi Sammelans (poetry readings)’, Turban tying sessions and contests’ and ‘Wrestling matches’ are organized at nearby venues. Attendees of all ages, races and religions enjoy every aspect of the celebrations. This is true multi – cultural tolerance, acceptance, participation and enjoyment. This popular ‘Harvest Festival’ celebration is unparalled even in modern times and brings great joy, stress release and provides a valuable source of outdoor exercise. The community spirit of togetherness & bonding and the economic benefits of such an event is a welcome bonus!
By Nalini Bhui
