What makes Baisakhi so special, is that it marks the first day of the new year according to the Sikh calendar. Another amazing root to this festival is that Baisakhi was one of the three main festivals that the third Sikh Guru, Guru Amar Das ji chose to celebrate. On the day of Baisakhi, in the year 1699, the tenth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji established the Khalsa Panth.

Baisakhi is also the time when farmers begin harvesting of the Rabi crops. It is a significant event for the farmers in the region and observed as a thanksgiving to the Gods and the natural elements. Waking up to the beautiful Baisakhi day morning is like stepping up on a fortune as one can see Punjab at its happiest and most joyful self-preparation for the festival. It begins well in advance and Gurudwaras are decorated, men prepare and practice for their Martial Arts. In this period of celebrations, artisans from across the State and country come to sell their Handicrafts all over Punjab. The purpose of Baisakhi celebrations is to come together with the feeling of oneness and joy. On this day men, women and children dress up in their favorite traditional attire. Punjabis been outstanding hosts, one can book a Farm stay or a Homestay and celebrate it with the locals. Punjab tourism offers various options which can be chosen for a perfect stay. If you happen to be in Amritsar, you can have Kada Prasad and Guru ka Langar at the Golden Temple. Spectate the Nagar Kirtan and the prowess of the Lions of Punjab. Make sure to dance to the beat of Bhangra and Gidda with the locals too.

When

Baisakhi is celebrated every year on the first day of the Hindu Month of Vaisakh and the Hindu and Sikh solar new year too. This year, we’ll be celebrating Baisakhi on April 14.

Where

Some of the places in Punjab to best experience the festive fanfare on the day of Baisakhi are Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, 20km from Bathinda, Gurudwara Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib at Anandpur Sahib and Golden Temple, Amritsar.

Stay

a. Kikar Lodge: Kangar Village, Nurpur Bedi, Ropar, 19 KM from Anandpur Sahib is located inside a private forest reserve. It gives you a unique kind of getaway.

b. Fort Bharatgarh: Set amidst the Shivalik Ranges, this is the only fort in Punjab still to be occupied by the descendants of the original owners- the Singhipuria Misi, one of the independent states of the Sikh confederacy. It is a 220 year old fort and is very well maintained. The fort is at a 20 km distance from Anandpur Sahib

c. Mann Makhi Farms: in Bucho Mandi highway, Kot Fateh Katar Singhwala, Village Tungwali is a beautiful farm stay where you can be close to nature. At the farm, you can also purchase their pickles, jams, masalas, chilli powder and turmeric powder.

d. Green Acre Haveli and Retreat, Amritsar: Owned by Dr. Santokh Singh, is nestled among the fruit orchards. The property is suitable for guests looking for a unique and relaxing stay. It is very accessible since it is located only 5kms from the city centre.

e. Farmers Villa Farm Stay, Amritsar: Founded in May, 2013, the farm stay is 15 mins from the city. The property provides a safe, clean and fresh rural environment.

Getting there

1. Bathinda

a. AIR: Bathinda Airport, which is served by flights connecting it to Jammu and New Delhi on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

b. RAIL: Bathinda Junction is served by trains connecting it to major cities and metros like Kolkata, New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad.

c. Road: A wide network of roads connect Bathinda to Chandigarh, New Delhi, Ludhiana, Jammu, Jaipur, et all

d. BUS: Buses and Taxis are easily available from Bathinda to various cities in Punjab, New Delhi, Jaipur and many more.

2. Anandpur Sahib:

a. AIR: Nearest Airport, Chandigarh Airport (80kms/2hrs), connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Jammu, Srinagar, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad.

b. RAIL: Anandpur Sahib Railway Station, has good rail links with Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Kolkata.

c. ROAD: Anandpur Sahib lies 10 km off NH503 on Chandigarh- Manali Highway. Take a left at the ruins of Kiratpur to get to Anandpur Sahib.

d. BUS: Regular services operates between Chandigarh and Anandpur Sahib.

3. Amritsar:

a. AIR: Amritsar’s Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport is linked to Delhi, Mumbai, Nanded, Srinagar, Hyderabad, Goa and Dehradun by Air India, Indigo and Vistara.

b. RAIL: Amritsar junction is well connected to major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh and many more.

c. ROAD: Amritsar is well connected by road, thanks to the highways.

d. BUS: Regular busses ply from Chandigarh, Delhi and other nearby areas.

Contact

a. Bathinda: Tourist Information Centre 233E, District Complex, Bathinda. Cell: Tourist Officer-Aman-9463474115, STD Code 01632

b. Anandpur Sahib: Tourist Information Centre, Near Takht Sri Kes Garh Gurudwara, Guru Tej Bahadur Mansion, Anandpur Sahib, Cell: 09779167832; Chandigarh Ropar Road, Head Works, Near Water Lily Restaurant, Ropar, Tourist officer-Anandpur Sahib-Kanwardeep-cell 09779167832

c. Amritsar: Punjab Tourism, Exit Gate Amritsar Railway Station Tel 0183-2382131; Tourist Information Centre, Wagah Border, Amritsar, Tel 0183-2382131, District Tourist officer-Gursharan-Cell 09872774777, STD Code 0183