Vaisakhi

Vaisakhi, also known as the Sikh New Year festival, is one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar. Although Vaisakhi has been a harvest festival in Punjab even before it became so important to Sikhs, in 1699 Guru Gobind Singh chose the festival as the moment to establish the collective name given to Sikhs who've been baptized, the Khasla.

To celebrate Vaisakhi, Sikhs will visit places of worship called Gudwaras which will all be especially decorated for the occasion. In addition, many people enjoy parades and special processions through the streets called nagar kirtans. Celebrations always include singing and music, as well as reading aloud scriptures and chanting hymns. Many Sikhs also choose Vaisakhi as the day to be baptized into the Khalsa brotherhood.