Share
Baisakhi is one of the most popularly celebrated festivals in Northern India, especially in states like Punjab and Haryana. Marking the beginning of the harvest season, Baisakhi is commemorated with religious processions, folk dances, and a family visit to Gurudwaras.
Apart from the communal celebrations, most Punjabi households make yellow-coloured dishes and desserts, paying homage to the harvest of wheat. If you want to know more about this North Indian harvest festival or want to recreate the traditional dishes prepared on Baisakhi, this is just the right article for you. Read on to get an insight into why Baisakhi is celebrated and what foods are typically prepared for the festival.
Baisakhi: Know The Date And Significance Of The Harvest Festival
Every year, Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi, is celebrated on the 13th of April. While there are many reasons why Baisakhi is celebrated, one of the major ones involves the wheat harvest in Punjab. Since April marks the end of the Rabi crop season, the farmers express gratitude for a successful harvest. As for the Sikh community, Baisakhi commemorates the formation of Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh.
Traditional Foods For Baisakhi
Meethe Chawal
One of the staples for Baisakhi is meethe chawal, also known as kesari bhaat. Made with rice, sugar, saffron, ghee, and loads of nuts, the serving of yellow-coloured chawal is the highlight of Baisakhi festivities.
Sarson Ka Saag With Makki Ki Roti
Sarson, the yellow-coloured plants are too an essential part of of Baisakhi. Most Punjabi households are known to pair the rich sarson ka saag with mustard greens and pair it with makki ki roti. Garnished with a generous amount of ghee on top and paired with gud (jaggery), you have to fill your heart and tummy with Punjabi goodness.
Mango Lassi
Since Baisakhi is accompanied by the harsh heat of the Sun, coolers like lassi are popularly prepared. To give the beverage a summer twist, you can add mango puree to your recipe. Made by churning curd with milk, sugar, and blended mangoes, mango lassi is a great thirst quencher.
Atta Halwa
Atta halwa, popularly known as kada parshad, is prepared in every Gurudwara and is a traditional Punjabi dessert made for most festive occasions. You can simply make it at home with basic kitchen ingredients like whole wheat flour, sugar, and ghee. Once you’re done, garnish with chopped dry fruits and enjoy.
Phirni
The Baisakhi menu will be incomplete without the bright, mouth-watering dessert, phirni. Just add spices like saffron, cardamom, and a pinch of turmeric to the usual recipe for kheer, and you’ll get a rich dessert serving.
