Also called Vaisakhi because it is from the Sikh calendar in the month of Vaisakh. It is always celebrated on April 13, a great tradition in Punjab. The day is celebrated greatly by Sikhs in particular because Guru Gobind Singh founded the Panth Kalsa (Sikh community) itself in 1669. The day is also celebrated because it is the first harvest after winter, and since it is a religious celebration, there are activities in the Sikh temples. People usually start the day early with a ritual bath, participate in prayer and end with prasad. Those who have the opportunity to do seva (volunteer work such as cleaning the temple, cooking, washing dishes) contribute to making langar ( large communal meal) in the Gurdwara.
The Sikh community has a Baisakhi procession led by the Panj piara (five apostles). The procession moves through the city where men, women and children participate with devotional songs, dhol drums, bhangra (folk dance from Punjab) and gidda (folk dance for women in Punjab) which makes the procession joyful and colorful. For the large farming community from Punjab and Haryana, Baisakhi marks a celebration of harvesting the spring crop of various types of grains. The farmers thank God for a bountiful harvest and pray for good times ahead. People buy new clothes and the celebration consists of singing, dancing and of course enjoying the best festive food. If you want to experience some of this, you can join the Norwegian Turban Day at the Town Hall Square, where the Sikh community in Oslo creates a formidable experience.
Maybe we'll see each other?