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Baisakhi or Vaisakhi is the spring harvest festival celebrated in Punjab or by the Sikh community across the world on either April 13 or 14. This year, the celebrations are in full swing, and one of the major aspects of the festivities is community kitchens in Gurudwaras. Though most prominent Gurudwaras in the world have their community kitchens operating 365 days to feed devotees and the needy, there is something special about Baisakhi celebrations.
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Apart from kirtan and special prayers, devotees believe that working in the community kitchen and feeding hungry people is a service to God. From lentil soup and vegetables to roti and rice, delicious food is cooked in large containers to cater to thousands of people visiting holy centres. If you are celebrating Baisakhi in India, here are a few prominent Gurudwaras that you must visit to pray and relish langar.
Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar, Punjab
The Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, is among the holiest pilgrim centres for the Sikh community, and it has one of the largest community kitchens in India. Thousands of devotees visit the gurudwara every year on Baisakhi to participate in celebrations and perform special prayers. Langar feast here includes chickpea curry, lentils, roti, vegetables, and crispy jalebi. The kitchen remains open for 24 hours and volunteers offer selfless service round the clock.
Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, New Delhi
Bangla Sahib Gurudwara in New Delhi witnesses a footfall of thousands of devotees on Baisakhi. Located at the heart of the capital of India, the holy centre runs its community kitchen all day long to feed every soul that arrives at its gate. One will find vegetarian dishes like pulses, roti, rice, and vegetables being served here. However, when you exit the premises, you also get a spoonful of delicious kada prasad.
Hazur Sahib Gurudwara, Maharashtra
Situated in Nanded, Maharashtra, is Hazur Sahib Gurudwara which is another throne associated with Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It is located on the banks of the Godavari River and boasts a huge complex spanning over acres of land. Langar prepared here includes milk-based delicacies, potato curry, dal, rice, and jalebi.
Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib, Uttarakhand
Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib is also a must-visit on Baisakhi. Boasting a picturesque landscape of snow-capped Himalayas, the pilgrim centre has a community kitchen that cooks food for the devotees. The langar here includes dal khichdi, tea, kada prasad, and a few other dishes cooked in giant aluminium containers. Since it is located at a height of 4,632 m from the sea level, one can find hot and soupy dishes being served to help people beat the cold.
Takht Sri Patna Sahib, Bihar
Takht Sri Patna Sahib in Patna, Bihar, is among the five thrones of Sikhism. Devotees from all around the world offer their prayers here, and Baisakhi being one of the most crucial festivals attracts thousands of people in a day. Its huge premises feature a community kitchen where one can get a serving of rice, sweet rice, curry, roti, pickle, and prasad. You can eat as well as serve here and seek blessings from Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
