The British Royal family on Friday took to Twitter to wish the spring harvest festival of Baisakhi. The festival of Baisakhi marks the beginning of the Sikh New Year. It is a spring harvest festival celebrated primarily in the northern states of Punjab and Haryana. The occasion, also known as Vaisakhi, commemorates the formation of the Khalsa Panth of warriors under Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. Baisakhi is celebrated on April 14 this year.
The official Twitter handle of the Royal Family said: "Wishing all those celebrating, a happy and prosperous Vaisakhi."
Earlier on the day, Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese extended his warm wishes to the Sikh community on Vaisakhi and acknowledged their contribution to the prosperity, strength, and vibrancy of Australian society.
“I am delighted to send my warm greetings to all Australians gathering to celebrate Vaisakhi. The celebration of Vaisakhi is a reminder of the beauty and humanity of the Sikh faith,” read a message from Albanese.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wished Sikhs all over the world "a very happy Vaisakhi." "Saareya nu Vaisakhidiyan lakh lakh vadhaiyan!" he tweeted, wishing them in Punjabi.
After the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, the concept of Baisakhi was born. Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb publicly beheaded him. Guru Gobind Singh succeeded Guru Tegh Bahadur as the tenth Guru of the Sikhs after his death.
Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, chose Baisakhi to establish the Khalsa Panth in 1699.
During Baisakhi, Guru Gobind Singh is said to have emerged from a tent wielding a sword. He inquired whether any Sikh was willing to give up his life. Following this, a volunteer entered the tent, and only Guru emerged with his blood-splattered sword. Guru Gobind Singh did the same thing with five volunteers, making the others nervous. Later, however, all five men, including the Guru, emerged wearing turbans.
Baisakhi is one of three Hindu festivals chosen to be celebrated by Sikhs by the third Sikh Guru, Guru Amar Das. It is one of the most important festivals for Sikhs and is widely celebrated.