Baisakhi celebrates the founding of the Sikh community known as Khalsa. On this day in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh called Sikhs from all over the country to the city of Anandpur Sahib. At this meeting, the Guru called upon Sikhs to support their faith and preserve the Sikh religion. Guru Gobind Singh then lifted his sword and asked if anyone is prepared to give his life for his faith to come forward. After big silence, one Sikh followed the Guru. Shortly Guru reappeared with blood in his sword and repeated the same question. This was repeated until five voluntaries have come. Finally Guru came out with five men in blue colored dress and called them Panj Pyare, which means the Five Beloved Ones. The Panj Pyare was baptized in a ceremony called pahul. Later Guru was baptized by Panj Pyare. Guru Gobind Singh said, when the Panj Pyare, they are the holiest of the holy.
Baisakhi is celebrated on 13th of April every year. Once in 36 years it is celebrated on April 14th. This is taken as one of the important festivals for state of Punjab and Haryana. The festival is known with different names in different regions like Rongali Bihu in Assam, Rongali Bihu in West Bengal, Vaishakha in Bihar, Vishu in Kerala and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu.
To remove the caste discrimination, Guru gave surname to all Sikh men as ‘Singh’ which means Lion and gave surname of ‘Kaur’ which represents princess to Sikh women. Baisakhi is celebrated with lot of joy and enthusiasm. Farmers are proud over the festival, as Baisakhi marks the time for harvest of Rabi crops. Cries of “Jatta aayi Baisakhi” echo in the skies on this day. Bhangra and Gidda dances are performed by men and women respectively. Farmers celebrate this festival as a Thanksgiving Day. After taking bath in ponds or river, people visit temples or Gurdwaras. At many places Baisakhi fairs are also conducted.