How Do You Spell VAISAKHI?

Pronunciation: [ve͡ɪsˈakɪ] (IPA)

Vaisakhi is a traditional Sikh festival celebrated in late April every year. The spelling of this word can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /vaɪˈsɑːki/ with the stressed syllable being "sakhi". The "ai" sound is represented by the letter combination "ai" while the long "a" sound is represented by the letter "a". The silent "h" at the end of the word indicates that the second syllable is stressed. Overall, the spelling of Vaisakhi reflects the pronunciation of the word in its native language.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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VAISAKHI Meaning and Definition

  1. Vaisakhi, also known as Baisakhi, is a religious and cultural festival celebrated predominantly by Sikhs worldwide. It holds a significant place in the Sikh calendar and commemorates the establishment of the Khalsa, the religious brotherhood of Sikhs, in 1699 CE. The festival falls on the 13th or 14th of April each year and serves as a marker of the harvest season in Punjab, India.

    Derived from the traditional solar New Year's day of the Punjabi calendar, Vaisakhi holds both religious and cultural significance. Sikhs commemorate the creation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, by attending special prayers and processions at Gurdwaras (Sikh temples). It is a time for Sikhs to reflect upon their faith, recommit to the teachings of their Gurus, and engage in acts of service and charity.

    Apart from its religious context, Vaisakhi is also celebrated as a cultural festival for Punjabis. This day marks the harvest of the Rabi crop and is therefore associated with agricultural prosperity. Festivities often include vibrant processions known as Nagar Kirtans, where devotees enthusiastically participate in spiritual singing and dancing. Traditional folk dances like the Bhangra and Giddha, accompanied by energetic music, are performed to celebrate the joyous occasion.

    Vaisakhi serves as a unifying festival, bringing families, friends, and communities together to celebrate their heritage, express gratitude, and seek spiritual inspiration. It symbolizes renewal, unity, and the rich tradition of the Sikh faith while promoting the values of service, equality, and compassion.

Etymology of VAISAKHI

The word "Vaisakhi" has its origins in the Punjabi language. It is derived from the word "Vaisakh", which refers to the second month of the Nanakshahi calendar, the traditional Sikh calendar. The name Vaisakh is itself derived from the Sanskrit word "Vaisakha", which denotes the period of April/May in the Hindu calendar. Vaisakhi is a significant festival for Sikhs, marking the birth of the Khalsa (the Sikh community) and also the traditional harvest festival in Punjab, India.