Visakha is the Hindu New Year, the Nepalese New Year, and the Sikh holy day. It is a holiday observed in Northern India, Nepal, and in Sikh communities around the world.

In Kersala, India the holiday the harvest festival. The festival features a display of grain, fruits, flowers, gold, cloth, and money. The display is called the Vishu Kari, and is supposed to ensure a prosperous new year.

In Assam, India the holiday is called Bohag Bihu. It is a time when young people look for marriage partners.

In 1689 on this day, the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, choose five devoted followers to form the Khalsa or Sikh Brotherhood. Today, the Khalsa are men and women who have undergone the Sikh baptism ceremony and who strictly follow the Sikh Code of Conduct and wear the prescribed physical articles of the faith. One of the more noticeable being the Kirpan or ceremonial sword. This day is celebrated by visiting Sikh temples and reading the Sikh holy book, the Granth Sahib. A community feast is held where everyone sits and eats together. This feast emphasizes the Sikh belief in castelessness.

See Also

Holiday Catalogue

Hindu Observances