Vaisakhi: Harvesting the labour of love
The second you hear the foot tapping beat of the Dhol, it instantly lifts your spirit and boosts your energy – you instantly know that it must be time for celebration. This beat of the dhol also announces the arrival of Vaisakhi, also known as harvest festival is celebrated on the first day of Indian Month of Vaisakh and hence is also celebrated as New Year’s Day in some regions of India.
This day is also most important for the Sikh community as this is the day when Khalsa or Khalsa Panth was established. Vaisakhi is one of the three festivals chosen by Guru Amar Das Ji to be celebrated by Sikhs, the others being Maghi and Diwali which later gave rise to the festival of Bandi Chor Divas during the times of the sixth Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji.
For farmers, this is the day when they harvest their labour of love, of hours of toil , of sweat and blood in their fields. So this is the time for celebration for farmers. In Punjabi, it is said
“toorhi tand sambh haarhi vech vatt ke, lambraan te shahan da hisab katt ke,
kache maar vanjhali anad chaa geya, maarda damaame jatt mele aa geya”
(After harvesting the crop and sorting out the credits and balances with the cashiers, Jatt (farmer is now feeling very happy and now it is his time to celebrate)
Vaisakhi celebrations are observed all over the world amongst the Sikh community. With changing times, the way to celebrate the festival is also changing, especially outside India. Punjabi music concerts have replaced the tradition Akhada (village concerts with folk singers).
Like every year, New Zealand also celebrates the Vaisakhi festival, giving the Sikh community an opportunity to riminice and celebrate their culture. The harvest festival is generally celebrated on April 13 and occasionally on April 14, like this year. Various Gurudwaras in Auckland are inviting people to get together and celebrate the day. Gurudwara Sri Kalgidhar Sahib Takanini and Otahuhu; Nanaksar Thath Ishar Darbar, Manurewa; Gurdwara Sri Dasmash Darbar Papatoetoe, Gurdwara Guru Nanak Dev Ji Sikh Sangat Otahuhu; Gurudwara Sri Guru Harkishan Sahib, New Lynn and other Sikh temples will organise Kirtan darbar and Langar on this occasion.
And if you are keen to participate in a cultural experience of the festival, you are in for a treat. Panj-aab Sports and Cultural Club (NZ) INC. is organising Vaisakhi Mela. The event is claimed to be the only cultural festival in New Zealand. Famous Punjabi singers Sarabjit Cheema and Ranjit Rana will perform at the event.
The event will also showcase the NZ Police Bhangra team for the first time ever, performing Bhangra. Along with that the club will also honour youngsters who have made the community proud. Kids Bhangra group will also be performing on the occassion.
Here are some wishes on this happy occasion from the members of our community. On behalf of the entire Indian Weekender Family, heres wishing everyone a happy and joyous Vaisakhi.
The second you hear the foot tapping beat of the Dhol, it instantly lifts your spirit and boosts your energy – you instantly know that it must be time for celebration. This beat of the dhol also announces the arrival of Vaisakhi, also known as harvest festival is celebrated on the first day of...
The second you hear the foot tapping beat of the Dhol, it instantly lifts your spirit and boosts your energy – you instantly know that it must be time for celebration. This beat of the dhol also announces the arrival of Vaisakhi, also known as harvest festival is celebrated on the first day of Indian Month of Vaisakh and hence is also celebrated as New Year’s Day in some regions of India.
This day is also most important for the Sikh community as this is the day when Khalsa or Khalsa Panth was established. Vaisakhi is one of the three festivals chosen by Guru Amar Das Ji to be celebrated by Sikhs, the others being Maghi and Diwali which later gave rise to the festival of Bandi Chor Divas during the times of the sixth Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji.
For farmers, this is the day when they harvest their labour of love, of hours of toil , of sweat and blood in their fields. So this is the time for celebration for farmers. In Punjabi, it is said
“toorhi tand sambh haarhi vech vatt ke, lambraan te shahan da hisab katt ke,
kache maar vanjhali anad chaa geya, maarda damaame jatt mele aa geya”
(After harvesting the crop and sorting out the credits and balances with the cashiers, Jatt (farmer is now feeling very happy and now it is his time to celebrate)
Vaisakhi celebrations are observed all over the world amongst the Sikh community. With changing times, the way to celebrate the festival is also changing, especially outside India. Punjabi music concerts have replaced the tradition Akhada (village concerts with folk singers).
Like every year, New Zealand also celebrates the Vaisakhi festival, giving the Sikh community an opportunity to riminice and celebrate their culture. The harvest festival is generally celebrated on April 13 and occasionally on April 14, like this year. Various Gurudwaras in Auckland are inviting people to get together and celebrate the day. Gurudwara Sri Kalgidhar Sahib Takanini and Otahuhu; Nanaksar Thath Ishar Darbar, Manurewa; Gurdwara Sri Dasmash Darbar Papatoetoe, Gurdwara Guru Nanak Dev Ji Sikh Sangat Otahuhu; Gurudwara Sri Guru Harkishan Sahib, New Lynn and other Sikh temples will organise Kirtan darbar and Langar on this occasion.
And if you are keen to participate in a cultural experience of the festival, you are in for a treat. Panj-aab Sports and Cultural Club (NZ) INC. is organising Vaisakhi Mela. The event is claimed to be the only cultural festival in New Zealand. Famous Punjabi singers Sarabjit Cheema and Ranjit Rana will perform at the event.
The event will also showcase the NZ Police Bhangra team for the first time ever, performing Bhangra. Along with that the club will also honour youngsters who have made the community proud. Kids Bhangra group will also be performing on the occassion.
Here are some wishes on this happy occasion from the members of our community. On behalf of the entire Indian Weekender Family, heres wishing everyone a happy and joyous Vaisakhi.
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