Synopsis
On April 13, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent heartfelt Baisakhi wishes to the nation, underscoring the festival's significance in promoting commitment to national development and celebrating agricultural traditions.Key Takeaways
- Baisakhi is a major festival that marks the start of the harvest season.
- It commemorates the foundation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh.
- President Murmu emphasized unity and gratitude towards farmers.
- The festival is celebrated under various names in different regions of India.
- Many devotees visited gurdwaras to celebrate, especially the Golden Temple.
New Delhi, April 13 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended their warm wishes to the country on the occasion of Baisakhi, emphasizing that this festival should inspire individuals to engage with dedication and commitment towards the progress of our nation.
Baisakhi is one of the most significant festivals, commemorating the establishment of the Khalsa Panth (Sikh order) by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, and it also signals the commencement of the harvest season.
In a message on X, President Murmu conveyed her sincere greetings to all Indians, both within the country and abroad.
This day is also recognized in various regions as Vishu, Bohag Bihu, Poila Boishakh, Meshadi, Vaishakhadi, and Puthandu Pirapu, she noted.
"These festivals, celebrated during the harvest across different parts of India, represent our social customs and the unity in our diversity. They honor the efforts of our 'Annadata' farmers and express our appreciation for their hard work. These occasions also convey the importance of preserving nature and safeguarding our cultural heritage," President Murmu remarked in her message.
She expressed hope that these lively celebrations would inspire people to work diligently for the prosperity of our nation.
Prime Minister Modi also conveyed his best wishes for a joyful Baisakhi, praying that the festival brings happiness into everyone's lives.
He shared on his X account, "May this festival usher in new hope, joy, and abundance in your life. Let us continue to celebrate the spirit of togetherness, gratitude, and renewal."
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his wish for the festival to bring joy to all.
"Warmest greetings to everyone on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi. I hope this festival of joy and enthusiasm brings happiness, prosperity, and good health to all," he stated.
Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, highlighted that the festival represents the rich agricultural traditions of the nation.
He posted in X (translated loosely from Hindi), "Heartfelt congratulations to all farmers, Sikh brothers, and the people of the state on the auspicious festival of Baisakhi, which symbolizes India's rich agricultural traditions and glorious heritage! May this festival of joy and happiness, Baisakhi, bring prosperity and joy to everyone."
On Sunday, crowds of devotees flocked to gurdwaras across Punjab, Haryana, and other parts of the country to honor Baisakhi.
The Golden Temple in Amritsar, one of the holiest sites in Sikhism, was beautifully adorned, drawing many devotees for prayers. Many consider taking a holy dip in the Golden Temple's sarovar to be a significant act to commemorate the day. Some devotees even opted to stay overnight on the temple grounds to take the dip at dawn. Day-long langars (community kitchens) were organized to celebrate this occasion.
In addition to the Golden Temple, devotees took holy dips in numerous historic gurdwaras throughout Punjab. A large gathering was also observed at Takht Kesgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib, the birthplace of the Khalsa Panth in 1699.
