Baisakhi : Teach Your Child Its Cultural Significance

1 to 3 years

Akshita Iyer

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7 years ago

Baisakhi : Teach Your Child Its Cultural Significance

Every one of us has learned the importance of various things in our lives through our parents and this is what we wish to impart to our kids as well. One such thing amongst the several others is teaching your child about the culture he is born in and its significance. It is necessary that your child knows about all the festivals and the stories behind each one of them. This is of utmost importance also, because of the life lessons that are attached with them. As you get ready to celebrate Baisakhi on the 14th of April make sure you teach your kids its significance.

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Story Of Baisakhi

The story of Baisakhi Festival began with the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru who was publicly beheaded by the Aurungzeb, the Mughal ruler who wanted to spread Islam in India and Guru Tegh Bahadur stood up for the rights of Hindus and Sikhs and the Mughals therefore he saw him as a threat.

After the death of Guru Tegh Bahadur, his son, Guru Gobind Singh became the next Guru of the Sikhs. He wished to instil courage and strength to sacrifice among his fellow men.

When thousands of people assembled for Guru’s blessing one day, he came out of his tent carrying an unsheathed sword. He gave a powerful speech to infuse courage amongst his fellowmen and demanded anyone who was ready to sacrifice his life shall come forward. He took the man to his tent who voluntarily came up and then returned with a bloodied sword. He took four more men with him and returned with a bloodied sword every time. Everyone present their thought the Guru had killed the five men.

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At this point the Guru presented all the five men who were now wearing turbans and saffron-coloured garments. These men were then called Panj Piara or the beloved five by the Guru. The Guru regarded the Panch Piaras as the first members of the Khalsa and the embodiment of the Guru himself. With the constitution of the Panj Piaras the high and low castes were amalgamated into one. The Guru gave the surname of Singh (Lion) to every Sikh and also took the name for himself. From Guru Gobind Rai he became Guru Gobind Singh. This was seen as a great step in national integration because society at that time was divided on the basis of religion, caste and social status.

This story is bound to fill your child with patriotism and bravery. He’d definitely realise the pain and the sacrifices that his ancestors made, which would make him appreciate his life and realise its importance. Things like these help your child to stay grounded and motivate them to become a better person in life.

Why We Celebrate Baisakhi

Apart from the above mentioned story, Baisakhi is also celebrated as a thanksgiving festival by the farmers for expressing gratitude to the Gods for the abundant harvest and seeking future prosperity.

How We Celebrate Baisakhi

Since it is a harvest festival, it is traditionally celebrated by harvesting wheat. People gather in large numbers and harvest wheat on the tunes of drum beats being played. Songs are sung and the traditional Punjabi folk dance- the giddah, or the Bhangra is performed.

Golden Temple in Amritsar becomes one of the most eye catching places on this day and devotees gather here from all over the world.

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