This year Vaisakhi will not be marked with the customary large gatherings and processions in different parts of the world as the community is urged to stay safe amid the coronavirus pandemic, with all events cancelled.
The processional singing of holy hymns, nagar kirtans, will go online, for instance from Gurudwaras supporting the government's stay-at-home message to lessen the spread of deadly virus.
Festivals, in India, may mean many things — gathering with family and friends, the thrill of having presents from the elders, new clothes, a holiday from everyday routines and unbridled joy. They also mean food. There are different dishes prepared on Baisakhi day.
The word Gurudwara means the door to the guru. So when you visit the guru you cannot come back empty handed. The guru offers his sweet blessings to you. Thus kada prashad signifies these blessings and one should never say no to kada prashad when you visit any gurudwara.
Kada Prashad is a smooth, soft, velvety and rich halwa made with whole wheat flour (atta), ghee, sugar and water. In gurudwaras, this prasad is prepared with lot of devotion and continuous chanting of hymns.
Makke ki roti is a very popular dish in northern parts of India – especially Punjab. The roti is served straight off the griddle and is topped with lip smacking fresh homemade butter. Makke ki Roti is often accompanied by sarson da saag – the duo makes a mouth watering breakfast.
The lip smacking sarson da saag is a plate full of nutrients as the main ingredients are mustard greens, spinach and green leafy veggies that are rich with vitamins. The dish is delicious, healthy and extremely nutritious. If you want to celebrate Baisakhi the traditional way, then you have to have this combo as a part of your menu.
North India's favourite delicacy - Kadhi Pakora is one of the most preferred dishes on the day of Baisakhi. Some of the ingredients used to make this dish are chickpea flour, turmeric, curd etc. With the help of this, the mouth-watering dish is prepared and enjoyed by families.
Punjabis are incomplete without lassi. Be it a huge festival or a small occasion, this community always has Lassi in their meal. Whenever guests visit, they offer a glass of lassi which is the signature of their affection and hospitality towards their friends and relatives. This lassi is available in different types of flavours like fruit lassi, plain lassi, sweet, salt and so on.
A traditional sweet, phirni is a creamy pudding - one of the most popular North Indian dessert recipes made with ground rice and milk. Phirni is usually prepared during festivals and special occasions. While rice kheer is made from whole rice, phirni is prepared with finely ground basmati rice. To add a nice taste and aroma, add saffron strands or rose petals to the dish. It serves as a perfect dessert post a Mughlai meal.
