Vaisakhi – the Sikh New Year festival – is one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar.

It marks the start of the Punjabi New Year, but it is also a day to celebrate 1699 – the year when Sikhism was born as a collective faith. It is celebrated on 13 or 14 April. This year, it falls on Saturday 14 April.But where did it come from? History of the festival. Vaisakhi has been a harvest festival in Punjab – an area of northern India – for a long time, even before it became so important to Sikhs

In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh chose the festival as the moment to establish the Khalsa – that’s the collective name given to Sikhs who’ve been baptised.The story goes that at the festival, he came out of a tent carrying a sword and said that any Sikh prepared to give his life for his faith should come into the tent.Five men disappeared into the tent, and the Guru came out – alone – with blood on his sword. This worried the crowds.

Colorful processions take place to mark the festival. Find out more about how it is celebrated below That is until the five men then came out from the tent unharmed and wearing turbans. They became known as Panj Piare or the ‘Beloved Five’ – and they were to be the first members of the Khalsa.They were baptised by the Guru who sprinkled them with Amrit, which is the Sikh word for holy water. He also said prayers.

This ritual became the basis of the Sikh baptism ceremony.How is it celebrated?To celebrate Vaisakhi, Sikhs will visit places of worship called Gudwaras. These will also be especially decorated for the occasion. Many people enjoy parades and special processions through the streets called nagar kirtans.Music is also an important part of the celebrations.

‘Nagar’ means town and ‘kirtan’ means the singing of hymns from the Guru Grath Sahib, which is the Sikh holy book. The Holy scripture (SGGS) is carried in the processions in a place of honour. Celebrations always include singing and music, as well as reading aloud scriptures and chanting hymns.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May helps to prepare food

Here, the UK Prime Minister Theresa May is helping to prepare food at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, in preparation for Vaisakhi this year

Many Sikhs also choose Vaisakhi as the day to be baptised in to the Khalsa brotherhood.Big celebrations take place in the city of Anandpur Sahib in Punjab, which is where Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa. Farmers in the Punjab will also use Vaisakhi as an opportunity to give thanks for a plentiful harvest and pray for a good one in the year to come.