Baisakhi, or Vaisakhi, is a widely celebrated festival in India. People come together with great joy to mark the beginning of the new solar year and the harvest season, falling on every 13th or 14th of April. The festival is known for its lively celebrations filled with much vigour and colour. One of the best ways to experience the varied celebration of Baisakhi is by taking a tour of India during this time. 

Why is Baisakhi Celebrated?

Baisakhi has different meanings in different states in the country. Here is a breakdown of the states you can visit this year and why Baisakhi is celebrated there to experience the enthusiasm of the festival.

Punjab

Baisakhi holds immense significance in the Sikh community, marking the formation of the Khalsa Panth, the Sikh community’s highest order. The festival is also celebrated as a thanksgiving by farmers, marking the harvest season’s beginning. People celebrate the festival by participating in street processions called Nagar Kirtan, dancing the Bhangra and Gidda, singing religious hymns, and having prasad and other food.

You can visit the various gurudwaras in Punjab, especially the Golden Temple, and head to major cities like Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Jalandhar to experience the top sightseeing in Punjab and take part in the authentic celebration of Baisakhi. You can find budget and premium OYO family hotels in Punjab among all the cities to ensure a relaxing stay. Since Baisakhi is a major festival, book the hotels in advance to guarantee the best room with the best view of the city and its celebration.

Assam

Baisakhi is celebrated with the name Bohag Bihu, also called Rongali Bihu, in Assam and other Northeastern states of India by indigenous ethnic groups. Rongali Bihu marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year. Usually, it falls in the 2nd week of April, historically signifying harvest time. During Rongali Bihu, the celebrations go on for seven days, each with a different custom. It is common for people to dress up in traditional clothes, take care of their livestock and cattle, organise fairs, visit friends and relatives and exchange Pithas and other traditional food.

You can stay at OYO Guwahati while you explore the various stages of Rongali Bihu in Assam. You can find budget-friendly family hotels in Assam and family resorts in Guwahati that boast a luxurious stay with various premium amenities.

West Bengal

Poila Baisakh is celebrated in Bengal, Tripura and Assam among Bengalis, as the day denotes the beginning of the Bengali New Year. Bengalis greet each other with ‘Shubho Nobo Borsho’, which translates to ‘Happy New Year’. People dress in traditional attire of Kurta-Pajama and Saris. A dish called Panta Bhat is made with fermented rice and served with fish and curries. Businessmen usually open a new account ledger, closing the previous year’s accounts. It is called Haal Khata. Several fairs are organised, as well as street processions called Prabhat Pheri, where people dress up, dance and sing along to Rabindra Sangeet.

OYO Hotels in Kolkata will be your home away from home as you explore the City of Joy. Offering all basic amenities and complementary service for premium hotel options, you can rest and relax every night in peace and tranquillity.

Haryana

Vaisakhi is celebrated in Haryana at Pinjore. The Government of Haryana organises a huge fair at Pinjore Gardens to bring people together to mark this cultural festival. You can also head over to Yamunanagar and Kurukshetra to participate in the Baan Ganga Tirtha, where a ritual bath takes place to mark the occasion. 

Several OYO hotels are available in and around Pinjore for your convenience. Choose one that suits your budget and location the best to ensure you have a clean room to return to after a day full of experiencing the Pinjore way of celebrating Vaisakhi.

Where to Stay? 

Since Baisakhi is quite a major festival in most states of the country, it is always best to book your trip in advance and ensure you explore all types of accommodations on OYO Hotels and select a lodging that works best according to your convenience. As you explore the top sightseeing places in these cities and their different ways of celebrating Baisakhi, OYO guarantees you a relaxing stay with all the best-in-class amenities for your usage. Choose from budget OYO hotels like OYO Rooms to premium hotels like OYO Capital O by OYO for a luxurious lodging experience. 

Conclusion

Different states have different names for Baisakhi – celebrating the solar new year. This list consists of just four states, while other places like Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and more have their own celebrations, which take place simultaneously along these. To get a true essence of the flavour and diversity of India, festivals like Baisakhi are a great opportunity to understand what it means to live in a country that is made of so many colours. OYO Hotels are always ready to host you on this colourful journey.

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