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The agriculturally-dominant land of our country makes it natural for the people to celebrate harvest festivals with as much fervour and enthusiasm as Diwali or Holi. The fresh produce of grains, vegetables and fruits in India is considered to be auspicious as the land, the soil, the sun and the earth are believed to have holy spirits in them which are often worshipped. Baisakhi is celebrated on 13th April every year and the day marks the beginning of a new year according to the Sikh calendar.
The month of Vaisakh, from where the name Baisakhi is derived, is also the day when the Khalsa Panth was formed under Guru Gobind Singh as a warrior caste. Like we mentioned earlier, it is not just an auspicious day for Sikh, but for Hindus too. The worshippers take a dip the holy waters of River Ganga as it is said that the Goddess descended on Earth on this day. Another significant activity on Baisakhi is the harvest of rabi or winter crops. Offering gratitude and praying for better harvests each year, the farmers hail to the God.
On this special day, there are bound to be delectable specialties being cooked up. From savoury to sweet, a plethora of delicacies fill up the Baisakhi spread. Here are some traditional recipes that you cannot miss out on this day.
1. Kada Parshad
Prasad or parshad is a holy sweet offering made to God in several places of worships like temples, gurudwaras etc. In case of Sikhs, the holy parshad consists of a thick, crumbly and sweet atta halwa. The wheat flour pudding is prepared with oodles of ghee, sugar and devotion.
2. Kesari Phirni
Another toothsome sweet that is special to Baisakhi is phirni. A thicker version of kheer, prepared with full cream milk, rice and sugar, the phirni is flavoured with saffron strands (kesar) that give it a distinct aroma and colour.
3. Kadhi Chawal
The Punjabi kadhi is quite different from the Gujarati and Sindhi varieties. The crispy, deep-fried fritters are tossed in light, yoghurt-based gravy and served with hot steamed rice.
4. Mango Lassi
Lassi is a staple Punjabi drink during summers. The frothy, curd-based beverage is made by whipping the curd and add some sugar to it. Since mangoes are in season around this time, a fruity mango lassi is a delicious treat.
5. Coconut Ladoos
Spherical balls covered with desiccated coconut, the ladoos are a yummy sweet bite on Baisakhi without which the celebrations seem incomplete.
6. Punjabi Chole
Go to any part of Punjab and you are bound to find chole or white chickpeas in abundance. The masaledaar chole preparation is hot and fiery and often served with fluffy bhaturas.
