Baisakhi observed on 14 April 2026

Key facts

• Baisakhi is an ancient harvest festival celebrated in northern India, particularly in the Punjab region, to mark the ripening of rabi (winter) crops such as wheat.
• The festival marks the Solar New Year, known as Mesha Sankranti, and falls on 14 April 2026.
• It commemorates the formation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh at Anandpur Sahib on 13 April 1699.
• The day is associated with the Jallianwala Bagh massacre which occurred at Jallianwala Bagh in 1919.
• The religious Sikh New Year, known as Nanakshahi, begins in the month of Chet (March).
• Traditional celebrations include folk dances such as bhangra and giddha, community fairs (melas), and religious processions called Nagar Kirtans.
• Devotees participate in seva (selfless service) and langar, a community meal offered to all regardless of background.