Happy Baisakhi 2016

Happy Baisakhi 2016: Here is Punjab on a Platter

The culture of Punjab is all about celebrations. It is also one of the greenest belts in the country, known for its agricultural edge. Thus, it is inevitable that festivals also revolve around crops and farming. Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi, Vaishakhi or Vasakhi, is perhaps the most important of those, and is celebrated with great gusto in rural and urban Punjab. Though the festival is of great significance to the Sikh and Hindu community in Punjab, it is celebrated across the country, especially in North India.

The significance

This Punjabi New Year marks the first day of Vaisakh which refers to the beginning of the solar year. An auspicious day, it starts with devotees seen gathering in Gurudwaras to say a word of thanks to the almighty and seek prosperity and health for their loved ones. It is also an important day as it is referred to as a 'Harvest Festival', celebrating a good harvest and praying for the next one to be abundant as well. It also has religious significance as Baisakhi marks the establishment of Khalsa by the tenth Sikh guru - Guru Gobind Singh - in the year 1699.

Not surprisingly, it coincides with 'Vishu' in Kerala as well as 'Bohag Bihu' that is much celebrated across Assam. Many festivals in India are celebrated on the same day in different states, under differing names, but with a common cultural thread running through them.


In true Punjabi form, there is no festival without banter, family, joy and food. Baisakhi festivities too are kicked off with meeting friends and family amid laughter, cheer and joy. And where there is joy, how can food be behind? If you love Punjabi food, you will love these dishes which are savoured across Punjab. Happy feasting.

Masala Chana - Recipe by Chef Gunjan Goela
More popularly called 'chole' in Punjab, this chickpea dish is brown in colour, with a hint of red. The smell is so enticing that you can not help but gulp down a bowlful. Aromatic spices like bay leaves, cardamom, cumin powder, fennel powder, garlic and chilli are used to give it a kick. Top with spicy potato chunks if they strike your fancy.


Kadha Prasad - Recipe by Chef Niru Gupta
Kadha Prasad, the offering given in gurudwaras, is essentially a wheat flour-based halwa.All you need is half an hour, some wheat flour, sugar, water and a generous quantity of desi ghee. The ghee is essential, do not try to make low cal versions of the dish. Since this dessert is considered sacred to Sikhism, it's to be received with utmost respect - By sitting on both knees and with cupped hands.

Poori - Recipe by Chef Kishore D Reddy
Sunday morning breakfasts in many Punjabi households is Poori and chole or aalu. Which do you prefer?


Aloo Rasedar - Recipe by Chef Niru Gupta
Hot and perfectly puffed pooris are a passionate foodie's dream come true. Even though it takes only five ingredients, it requires a whole lot of technique. Or you could end up with flat or flaky pooris. And to go with it, we've got Niru Gupta's perfectly spiced aloo rasedar. Mashed potatoes cooked in ginger, coriander, turmeric, mango powder and butter.


Rajma - Recipe by Chef Aditya Bal
Comfort food at its best. Rajmabeans cooked with garlic, ginger and green chilli are then cooked in a delicious curry tempered with cumin seeds, cardamom, onion and a whole lot of red chilli. You can team this up with a bowl of steam rice or some jeera pulao. If you've got peas at home, then cook up some quick matar pulao.


Dal Makhni- Recipe by Chef Niru Gupta
'Maa ki dal', as it is know in Punjab, is essential in any celebratory meal here. Whether you're dining at an Indian restaurant or at home, dal makhni makes a frequent appearance on the dinner table. And now, we'll teach you how to nail some restaurant-styled dal maknhi at home. Take some urad dal and slow cook it with ginger, cumin, tomato puree, kasoori methi and butter. And finally, top it off with some cream because it only gets better!

Baisakhi 2016: Top 10 quotes to say to friends and family during the Sikh harvest festival

Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi or Vaishakhi, marks the establishment of the Sikh community known as the Khalsa or brotherhood of saints soldiers. The group was formed to fight against tyranny and oppression. The tenth Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh, in 1699, laid the foundation of the Khalsa community. The festival also marks the annual harvest festival in the Punjab that ushers in the Sikh New Year.

The occasion falls on 13 or 14 of April every year. This year the festival will be celebrated on 13 April.

History behind Baisakhi

The Sikh guru wanted to instill courage and strength in his fellow men. So, at a congregation, he asked his followers if they were prepared to sacrifice their lives. On the guru's third call, five men volunteered to give their lives but the guru did not kill them. Instead, he baptized the five men, making them the first five members of the Khalsa community. The five men were known as the Panj Pyare, or the Five Beloved Ones. The tradition of Sikh baptism during the Baisakhi festival started from this historic event.

Top 10 quotes to celebrate the joyous occasion. Check them out below:

1. Happy Baisakhi to all! I hope celebrations of the day are as colourful and joyous for you as ever.
2. May the cheerful festival of Baisakhi usher in good times and happiness that you so rightly deserve. Have a wonderful day. Happy Baisakhi!
3. May this special day of Baisakhi hold in store – the fulfillment of all hopes and dreams that you aspire for. Have a joyous Baisakhi. Happy Baisakhi!
4. I express my heartiest wishes to you and your family on the wonderful occasion of Baisakhi. May this be the start of a lucky year ahead!
5. I wish you a very Happy Baisakhi. May Wahe Guruji accept your good deeds and convey all the years full of love and happiness.
6. May this celebration of Baisakhi give your life a new beginning. May it give you positive way of living, above all. Happy Baisakhi!
7. May you get showered with blessings of God while you walk on path of truth. Happy Baisakhi!
8. Hope this harvest season brings never-ending joy and prosperity to you and your family. Wishing you a very happy and prosperous Baisakhi!
9. Happy Baisakhi to all my friends. May Wahe Guruji bless all souls with happiness and long life.
10. The greatest comforts and lasting peace are obtained when one eradicates selfishness from within. Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Happy Baisakhi!