Not only are festivals a wonderful time to rejoice and celebrate, but they also present a chance to introduce our kids to the rich cultural diversity of India. India is home to a rich and varied cultural heritage, and all ethnic communities celebrate the new year with great enthusiasm and good cheer. The first day of the Sikh New Year is celebrated globally with love and excitement on Baisakhi 2024, also known as Vaisakhi.
According to the English calendar, it is observed on April 13 or April 14. The main focus of this celebration is a plentiful agricultural harvest. Therefore, Vaisakhi is celebrated by all inhabitants of the northwest region of India, particularly the Punjab region, regardless of their cultural or religious beliefs.
The Punjab region’s streets come alive with colour and happiness during the captivating Baisakhi celebrations. However, children are the heart and spirit of the Vaisakhi celebrations, whether they are held in India or somewhere else in the world. Here are some enjoyable ways to celebrate Vaisakhi with children and teach them about the important history of this holiday.
Baisakhi 2024 Celebration Ideas
Introducing the Story of Panj Piaras
Children should learn the meaning of Vaisakhi while they enjoy the hues and celebrations of the day. This day offers a wonderful chance to commemorate the origins of Sikhism and retell the Panj Piaras tale. Vaisakhi 1699 saw the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh.
According to legend, amid the festivities, the revered Guru Gobind Singh emerged from his tent brandishing a sword and inquired as to whether any Sikh would be willing to give their life in defence of their beliefs. Five courageous guys advanced and entered the tent. They emerged from the tent unscathed and sporting turbans. After being baptised by the revered Guru, they became Khalsa members.
Decorate the Classroom
Use colours like orange, yellow, and red in your design. Bright colours are used to celebrate Baisakhi 2024, and these three are especially significant to the occasion. Consider yellow drapes, orange marigold flowers in the entryway, and vibrant red toss cushions. Yellow and orange are regarded as Sikhism’s official colours. They represent the price paid for their convictions by the first followers, the Panj Piaras.
Fancy Dress Show
Kids like dressing up as different people. On this day, we can have children deliver their well-known quotations while costumed as Sikh icons in the classroom as part of the Baisakhi celebration. Through the extremely important figures that shaped our history and values, children will be able to learn more about these topics.
Wheat Paper Crafts
The excitement of preparing for the Rabi harvest is the reason for the Baisakhi celebration. Farmers obtain sugarcane, oilseeds, and wheat pulses as Rabi crops. The wheat crop is currently visible in Punjab, where it is expanding and swinging everywhere.
Add Some Colours
Print off a picture of a girl and boy doing the Bhangra. Now invite your child to attempt drawing it or just to add bright, happy colours to the artwork. Play some folk music while they’re colouring, don’t forget!
Creative Side Up
Help your children use their creativity by letting them create something using a variety of materials. Gather paper, glitter, paint, beads, and other craft supplies from around the house, and have your children make a card this harvest festival praising Mother Earth for all of her blessings.
Shoebox Guitar
Baisakhi is a celebration centred around singing and dancing. Why not let your child create an amazing musical instrument? A shoebox and some strings will do. After giving the shoebox a thorough cleaning, knot four to five threads, leaving a one-centimetre space between each one. Now flip a coin, pluck the strings, and listen to some tunes.
Make Some Sweets
Desserts make every party perfect, and kids adore sweets. Make the most of this day by spending time doing something enjoyable with your child on Baisakhi 2024. Use what you have on hand to make a batch of barfi or ladoos. Assist the kids with simple culinary activities, such as binding the ladoo or adding the dried fruits, to give them a sense of involvement in the process.
Show Some Dance Moves
Children enjoy dancing, so it’s not a terrible idea to teach them a few steps while you’re at it! Play some festive music and get everyone dancing! Your child would undoubtedly enjoy picking up new skills.
Conclusion
The main focus of Baisakhi celebrations is fervour. This involves chanting hymns, speaking aloud from scripture, dancing, and singing. Harvesting their Rabi crop, the farmers give thanks to God for the bountiful harvest and offer prayers for continued prosperity. We wish you a joyful Baisakhi 2024. The above list of enjoyable activities to celebrate Vaisakhi with children is intended just to instil the actual meaning of peace, love, and harmony that this holiday represents. Thus, let’s celebrate Baisakhi with our children and allow happiness to spread throughout the upcoming year.
