The smell of new leaf, the greenery of the surrounding, the fresh air and the rich harvest symbolize the onset of a brand new year, popularly called the "Baisakhi Festival" for the youthful and lively state of Punjab. The "Baisakhi Festival" or the Harvest festival fills the air with joy and mirth. The already vibrant and colorful state of India becomes all the more vivacious with the arrival of the "Baisakhi Festival". One of the major festivals among the Sikhs, the Baisakhi is celebrated with much enthusiasm all over the state.
The people of Punjab wait for an entire year for the festival of "Baisakhi". The excitement and the enthusiasm is expressed through the local traditional folk dance of Punjab, popularly known as the "Bhangra" which represents the various stages of cultivation of the agricultural crops. There is also a religious connotation attached to this vibrant festival of "Baisakhi". On this day the great Sikh leader, Guru Govind Singh organized the "Khalasa" community and erased the petty differences between rich and poor , and high and low castes.
On this auspicious day of Baisakhi, the day breaks at dawn for the people of Punjab who take a bath before worshiping in the Gurdwaras. After the ritualistic traditions of worshiping and thanking the "Supreme Being" stats the real celebration of Baisakhi where men and women dance to the beats of drums. People exchange pleasantries and wish each other for a bright and prosperous year.
The cities of Punjab are decorated with lights and "fairs" are organized to mark the joyous occasion. The people forget their worries and indulge in merry making. The "Baisakhi Festival" portrays the rich cultural tradition of Punjab which adds to the glory and grandeur of the most vivacious and colorful state of India.
