Baisakhi Rituals Began in Hassanabdal

 Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi, is a major festival celebrated by people of Sikh and Hindu communities in India and abroad. It is celebrated on the first day of Vaisakh month (mid-April) according to the traditional solar calendar, and marks the harvest season in Punjab.

In Pakistan, Baisakhi is also celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor, particularly by the Sikh community. One of the most significant places where Baisakhi is celebrated is in the historic town of Hassanabdal, located in the district of Attock, Punjab.

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Hassanabdal is home to the famous Gurdwara Panja Sahib, one of the most sacred Sikh pilgrimage sites. According to Sikh tradition, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, visited this place during his travels and blessed it with his touch, leaving behind a handprint (panja) on a rock that still exists today.

Every year, thousands of Sikh devotees from around the world travel to Hassanabdal to celebrate Baisakhi at the Gurdwara Panja Sahib. The festival is celebrated with various rituals and traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation.

The Baisakhi celebrations in Hassanabdal typically begin with an early morning procession (prabhat pheri) that starts from the Gurdwara and proceeds through the town. Devotees sing hymns and chant prayers, while carrying the Sikh holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, on a decorated palanquin.

After the procession, a special prayer service (kirtan) is held inside the Gurdwara, which is followed by the traditional langar (community meal) where everyone is served free food, regardless of their religion or background.

During the langar, volunteers serve food to the devotees, who sit together on the floor in rows, symbolizing the unity and equality of all people in the eyes of God. This is one of the most important aspects of Sikhism and is reflected in the langar tradition.

In addition to the procession and langar, Baisakhi in Hassanabdal also involves various cultural and religious activities, such as folk music and dance performances, sports competitions, and lectures on Sikhism and its teachings.

The festival of Baisakhi in Hassanabdal is not just a religious event, but also a celebration of cultural diversity and harmony. People from all walks of life come together to participate in the festivities and to experience the rich Sikh heritage that is preserved in this historic town.

Overall, the Baisakhi rituals in Hassanabdal serve as a reminder of the importance of unity, equality, and community service, which are at the core of Sikhism. The festival continues to be a source of inspiration and joy for millions of people around the world, and is a testament to the enduring power of faith and tradition.