Birth of the Khalsa: The Sacred Countdown to Vaisakhi 2026
Golden harvests, Birth of Khalsa
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when is Vaisakhi/Baisakhi 2026?
Vaisakhi (Baisakhi) in 2026 will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
Is Vaisakhi/Baisakhi a public holiday?
Yes, Vaisakhi/Baisakhi is a public holiday in several regions of India, especially in Punjab, and is also recognized in Canada and the UK where large Sikh communities reside. Schools, banks, and government offices may be closed in areas where it is officially observed.
What is Vaisakhi?
Just like Vaisakhi, which is celebrated every April by the Sikh community, Easter is a spring holiday observed by Christians worldwide with deep religious significance. Where Punjabi farmers once rejoiced over the harvest during Baisakhi in northern India, Christians today gather in celebrations commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Vaisakhi, also known as Baisakhi, honors the moment when Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th guru-prophet, established the Khalsa Panth, a formal order dedicated to defending the faith. Similarly, Easter symbolizes victory over death and spiritual renewal. For both Sikhs and Christians, this occasion brings the community together in gatherings, often held on the same April dates — like April 13 or April 14 for Vaisakhi, and on a Sunday for Easter.
History of Vaisakhi/Baisakhi
When we look into the historical records of Baisakhi, we find that it marked the beginning of the Sikh calendar year. Similarly, Easter finds its roots in ancient Christian history, built upon the foundational events of the death and resurrection of Jesus. Just as the festival predates the third Sikh Guru, and Guru Amar Das officially established it as a significant occasion for all Sikhs, Easter too was formalized by early Christians and spread globally. Both festivals have grown with time — Vaisakhi through community expansion and pilgrimages to Goindwal, a spiritual center in Punjab, and Easter through its celebration across Christian churches worldwide. Vaisakhi aligns with the Nanakshahi calendar, connecting to the spring harvest, and incorporates Diwali as a fall festival, creating key communal gatherings. Easter, likewise, is part of the larger liturgical calendar, often followed by Pentecost, making both traditions rich in seasonal and spiritual meaning.
Vaisakhi Festival (2025–2030)
| Year | Date (Gregorian) | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 13, 2025 | Sunday |
| 2026 | April 14, 2026 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | April 14, 2027 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | April 13, 2028 | Thursday |
| 2029 | April 13, 2029 | Friday |
| 2030 | April 13, 2030 | Saturday |
* Vaisakhi is a traditional harvest festival celebrated in Punjab and marks the Sikh New Year.
FAQs
How is Vaisakhi different from other Sikh festivals?
Vaisakhi marks both a seasonal harvest event and a religious milestone, while other Sikh festivals may focus only on religious or historical events like Gurpurab.
Why is Vaisakhi also called Baisakhi?
Both “Vaisakhi” and “Baisakhi” refer to the same festival; the spelling differs due to regional pronunciation differences in Punjabi and Hindi.
How do people celebrate Vaisakhi today?
People celebrate Vaisakhi with processions (Nagar Kirtans), religious gatherings at Gurdwaras, music, dancing, and community meals (Langar).
What is the origin of Vaisakhi celebrations?
Vaisakhi originated as a spring harvest festival in northern India, especially in Punjab, and later became associated with key events in Sikh history.
Is Vaisakhi a public holiday in India or other countries?
Yes, Vaisakhi is a public holiday in Punjab, India, and is also observed in countries with large Sikh populations like Canada, the UK, and Malaysia.
What is the historical significance of Vaisakhi in Sikhism?
Vaisakhi is historically important as the day when Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa Panth in 1699, giving it deep religious significance for Sikhs.
When is Vaisakhi celebrated each year?
Vaisakhi is celebrated every year on April 13 or 14, marking the spring harvest and the Sikh New Year.