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Summertime brings with it the harvest festival of Baisakhi, which will be celebrated on April 14, 2023. This is indeed a festive occasion that marks the beginning of the Sikh New Year, occurs on the first day of the month of Baisakh, or the month of Vaisakhi according to the Hindu calendar, and coincides with the harvest time of Rabi (winter) crops. The celebration of crops and harvesting has considerable cultural importance in Punjab since the area is well-known for its agricultural wealth. Thus, the Sikh and Hindu communities from Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi come together to enjoy the festivities.
The Indian solar new year for Hindus falls on the same day as the Sikh new year, or Baisakhi. A celebration of diverse cultures and fresh beginnings is created by the fact that Baisakhi falls around other cultural festivals like Vishu in Kerala and Bohag Bihu in Assam across other diasporas of the country.
Punjabi communities across the world celebrate Baisakhi fervently by organising melas, wearing vibrant yellow and orange attire for the occasion, eating foods coloured yellow, participating in traditional dances like Bhangra and gidda, and attending other festivities. Baisakhi is a time to embrace fresh starts and new beginnings.
Devotees gather at Gurudwaras to thank the almighty and seek the blessings of prosperity and good health for their loved ones to start the auspicious day of Baisakhi. In addition to its religious importance, Baisakhi honours the establishment of the Khalsa in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh guru. And in a true Punjabi manner, no event would be complete without banter, family and friends, happiness, and food, of course! Baisakhi celebrations begin with get-togethers of friends and family, which are followed by pleasure, cheer, and laughter. There is always great food present when there is merriment. For those who enjoy Punjabi food, Baisakhi provides a mouthwatering selection of regional favourites. The following recipes are ones you may prepare at home to celebrate this Baisakhi.
Mango Lassi
Lassi, the quintessential beverage of Punjab, is a refreshing yoghurt-based beverage available in both sweet and salty flavours. However, during Baisakhi, the traditional sweet lassi gets a delightful twist with the addition of juicy, summer-fresh mangoes. Creamy whisked yoghurt is combined with fresh mango pulp and whisked together to lend the mango lassi a vibrant yellow hue and enhance the taste with a refreshingly sweet and fruity flavour.
Mutton Chaap
This popular snack has its roots in Punjabi cuisine. Spinach, coriander, and mint are all seasonal fresh greens that are included in a healthy amount in hara bhara mutton chops. The juicy and succulent mutton chops are a delicious way to enjoy the wealth and abundance that the harvest season provides when served with your preferred chutney or sauce.
Meethe Chawal
Aromatic and rich with dry fruits, sweet rice is a popular delicacy enjoyed during the festive occasion of Baisakhi. The preparation involves slow-cooking rice with a blend of warm spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. A generous drizzle of sugar syrup is then added to infuse sweetness, while the addition of saffron (kesar) imparts a beautiful golden colour.
Rajma Chawal
This dish is the epitome of comfort food. Rajma beans are first cooked with garlic, ginger, and green chillies and then simmered in a mouth-watering curry infused with the flavours of cumin seeds, cardamom, onions, and an abundance of red chillies. Pair it with a bowl of steaming rice or some fragrant jeera pulao, and you're in for a treat this Baisakhi!
Dal Makhani
Dal makhani, fondly known as 'Maa ki dal' in Punjab, is a must-have at every festive feast. This creamy and flavourful lentil dish is a regular feature on Indian restaurant menus and dinner tables. And now, you too can master the art of making restaurant-style dal makhani at home. Slow-cook urad dal with ginger, cumin, tomato puree, kasoori methi, and butter, and finally, add a dollop of cream for that extra richness. Trust us, it only gets better!
Roh Di Kheer
The traditional Punjabi dessert of Roh Di Kheer, also known as Ras Ki Kheer, is a sweet dish featuring fragrant basmati rice slowly simmered in the freshly squeezed juice of sugarcane, culminating in a rich and aromatic flavour that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
Kadha Prasad
This is a wheat-flour-based halwa that is made for an offering at the gurudwaras and distributed later as prasad. It can be easily prepared with only a few ingredients and in just half an hour. To make this simple delicacy, you need wheat flour, sugar, water, and a generous amount of desi ghee. Ghee is a crucial component in this dish; therefore, it would be best to avoid the low-calorie versions for complete indulgence. Kadha Prasad is considered to be a sacred dish in Sikhism; hence, it is customary to receive it with the utmost respect while kneeling and cupping your hands when at a gurudwara.
Kadhi
Enjoy a burst of flavours with the classic besan kadhi, a popular North Indian dish that's sure to tantalise your taste buds. Indulge in the tangy and creamy flavours of this dish that's perfect to be paired with a bowl of steaming hot rice. Made with besan pakodas dipped in a delicious gravy of yoghurt and tempered with aromatic spices like cumin, mustard seeds, and curry leaves, this kadhi is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. If you prefer a bit of heat, add some red chilli powder or green chillies to give it an extra kick.
