April 13, 2002

6:44 PM

Vaisakhi Festival - Sikh New Year.Well, given the MeFi tradition of announcing religious celebrations et al, I just thought I'd note that today is the Sikhs invite everyone to celebrate Vaisakhi (or Baisakhi) -- traditionally the start of the agricultural year, and for the past several centuries also the birthdate of the Khalsa form of Sikhism. An interesting history provides some information on how the Sikhs were used and abused by the British, and their struggle (and resulting violence) for independence in the Punjab.
posted by five fresh fish (3 comments total)

I did not know that. Cool links, thanks.

And Happy Vaisakhi to everyone! May the crops you sow bring you a full and happy harvest. :)
posted by dejah420 at 11:13 PM on April 13, 2002

A happy Baisakhi to all.

plus a small correction: it's not just a sikh festival - it's celebrated all over the indian subcontinent.
posted by arnab at 2:09 AM on April 14, 2002

It's celebrated all over the world. They had a heck of a party down in Vancouver, BC.
posted by five fresh fish at 9:51 AM on April 14, 2002