Baisakhi – Festival of harvest

​Baisakhi – Festival of harvest
 
When Celebrated –
It is celebrated on first day of Vaisakh, second month of Hindu calendar (on 13 or 14 April), also known as Mesha Sankranti.
 
Why Celebrated - Significance

1. It is the harvest festival of North India, celebrating the winter or rabi crop.
2. In many states viz. Tamil Nadu (Puthandu), Kerala (Vishu), Odisha (Maha Vishuva Sankranti or Pana Sankranti), West Bengal (Naba Barsha or Pohela Boishakh), Assam (Rongali Bihu), Bihar (JurShital), Uttrakhand (Bikhu or Bikhauti), Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and others, Baisakhi is new year. (in bracket – different names of Baisakhi festival in respective states)

3. It marks the anniversary of khalsa founded by Guru Govind Singh in 1699. On this day, he chose his five devoted leaders Panj Piyare and established the five Ks of Sikkism – Kachha (Shorts), Kesh (long hairs), Kangha (small comb), Kirpan (dagger) and Kada (iron bangle).
 
How & Where Celebrated

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1. Hindus take bath in sacred rivers such as Ganges, Jhelum and Kaveri, as they believe that river goddess Ganges descended to earth on Baisakhi. Hindus visit temples, meet friends and party over festive foods.
2. The Sikhs visit the Gurdwara after bath, to offer mithai and charity (thaar) as thanksgiving for their good fortune. Read Guru Granth Sahib. It is followed by a procession. 
3. Fairs (Baisakhi Melas) are organised where people visit in bright and colourful dresses and enjoy feast.
4. Gurdwaras are illuminated on the day.
5. Man is colourful turbans, sequinned jackets and long kurtas dance the traditional folk dance (Bhangra). The women perform the graceful gidda in colourful lehengas (long ghagras).
6. Mithai, chaats, channa bhaturas, sarson ka saag, makkai ki roti and frothy lassi are some of the special dishes prepared on the day.

Celebrated since when 
Baisakhi is ancient festival of Hindus. Sikhs celebrte it as a mark of the anniversary of Khalsa founded by Guru Govind Singh in 1699.
 
 
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaisakhi