Vaisakhi (also spelled Baisakhi) is a Punjabi spring harvest festival celebrated around April 13–14 each year. For Sikhs it carries added significance as the day the Khalsa was founded in 1699. It's one of the most important and joyful days in the Punjabi calendar.
What is Vaisakhi celebrating?
At its roots, Vaisakhi marks the spring harvest — a time of gratitude when farmers in Punjab celebrate the reward of months of labor. It's a festival of abundance, community, and joy.
Why is it important to Sikhs?
In 1699, on Vaisakhi, Guru Gobind Singh — the tenth Sikh Guru — founded the Khalsa, the collective community of initiated Sikhs. This gives the day deep religious meaning, marking a defining moment in Sikh history and identity.
How is Vaisakhi celebrated?
Celebrations include visits to the gurdwara, Nagar Kirtans (processions through the streets with music and hymns), community meals (langar), and plenty of Bhangra and Giddha. Cities with large Punjabi populations — in Canada, the UK, and beyond — hold some of the biggest Vaisakhi parades in the world.
When is Vaisakhi?
It falls in mid-April, usually on the 13th or 14th, aligning with the solar new year in several South Asian calendars.
How can non-Sikhs take part?
Vaisakhi events are typically warm and welcoming. Anyone is usually welcome to watch a Nagar Kirtan, share in langar (a free community meal served to all), and join the celebration respectfully — covering your head and removing shoes in religious spaces.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vaisakhi only a Sikh festival?
It's celebrated by Punjabis broadly as a harvest festival, with special religious significance for Sikhs because of the founding of the Khalsa.
What's the difference between Vaisakhi and Baisakhi?
They're the same festival — just two common spellings of the name.
Vaisakhi is peak season for wearing your roots with pride — you'll find plenty of options in our Desi & Punjabi collection.