Baisakhi

Origin:
Guru Gobind Singh, honoured as the greatest Sikh leader, was the most dynamic of all the gurus who consolidated Sikhism and gave it the modern form it has today. On the first day of the month of Vaishakh in 1699, he established a new militant order of Sikhs called the Khalsa. Holding a naked sword in his hand, he announced to a large gathering of his followers at Anandpur Sahib that he would choose five men who were prepared to sacrifice their lives for the brotherhood. The Guru took him into a tent and brought back the sword dipped in blood. Despite the fear engendered by this sight, the next four men came forward. It so transpired that Guru Gobind Singh had dipped the sword in goat's blood to test the devotion of the five men. These men were chosen by the Guru as the Panj Pyaras. They were 'baptised' as the first Khalsa, whose lives would be a lesson in devotion, sacrifice and brotherhood. They were given the rites of Khanda Pahul or Khanda ka Arnrit and swore to lead a life devoted to the service of the religion and its goals of universal brotherhood. The chosen disciples were given the five Ks of Schism-Kachha (shorts), Kesh (long hair), Kangha (comb), Kirpan (dagger), and ada (iron bangle) .

Significance:
Apart from being important for the farmers as a harvest festival, the festival is of prime importance in Sikhism as a foundation day of Khalsa Panth.
The festival of Baisakhi falls on April 13 every year and April 14 once in every 36 years.
Astrologically, the date of Baisakhi is significant as marks sun’s entry into Mesh Rashi.
Baisakhi Festival is also celebrated as a Thanksgiving Day festival. Baisakhi is of major importance for the people following Sikh faith. On the same day the guru administered amrit (nectar) to his first batch of five disciples making them Singhs, a martial community. By doing so, he eliminated the differences of high and low and established that all human beings were equal.

Observances:
A series of parades are held, in which sets of five men walk in front of the holy book with swords drawn. When the ceremony is over, a round of feasting, music-making, and dancing begins, amid the blossoming flowers and harvested grain.


Acknowledgements:
http://images.google.com.sg/images?hl=en&q=baisakhi&gbv=2
http://www.travels.talash.com/india-fairs-festivals/baikashi-april-fairs-festivals-india.html
http://www.baisakhifestival.com/