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Balle balle! Punjab to Bengal -How exactly is Baisakhi celebrated in Kolkata

By djain128, Section Tourism
Posted on Wed Apr 20, 2005 at 04:09:08 AM EST

Poila Boisakh and Baisakhi. Both new year festivals, both celebrated in the city with pomp and splendour, yet so different from each other. Poila Baisakh being an `in-house' festival (if we may call it so) naturally hogs all the limelight but here's a dekho at how Baisakhi is celebrated here.
Since both these days fall in close proximity, it's only natural that they are bound to clash, maybe steal each other's thunder? "No chance," said restaurateur Nitin Kohli, adding, "The co-relation is out and out positive. In fact, we have displayed a buffet that incorporates traditional Bengali dishes with authentic Punjabi delicacies, blending the best of both worlds." Oh, double whammy! That explains the business front but how is it like with the family? "As a child, I remembered visiting all my relatives on this day and even now, it's essentially about reaching out to family and old friends," he added.
"It's a huge festival in North India. As far as Bengal goes, Poila Boisakh and Baisakhi come together and if you ask me, I think it's a great crowd puller and a fantastic mid-year celebration to rejuvenate ourselves. After all, the Pujas got over long back!" pointed out restaurateur Pankaj Tandon.
So what exactly is Baisakhi? How does this generation perceive it and more importantly, do they know the basic significance of this special day? "Baisakhi is a very special day because the Khalsa was formed this day by Guru Govind Singh. Baptism in the gurudwara is considered very auspicious on this day and all the gurudwaras of the city come forward and celebrate together," explained DJ Saranjit. So that takes care of the traditional kirtans and the raagis. Any new fundas? "Oh yes, E-cards, MMS, basically the works. My phone's full of `Happy Baisakhi' messages," added Saranjit. Communications manager, Ramnik Sabharwal also celebrates this day the traditional Sikh manner. "It's a beautiful day and a lovely yellow-orange is the order of the day. All of us wear bright clothes and make it a point to cook traditional chola and puris at home. The first harvest of Punjab is basically celebrated this day and since we don't have this joy right here in Kolkata, at least we can visit the gurudwara and pray," she says.

People seem to be getting rather sentimental today and why not? It is quite natural for them to think about their own festival. It's one thing to join all in the festivities and it's completely another to celebrate your own day. Isn't it?
Rajeev Kumar Mehta, executive committee member and conveyor of socials at the Punjab Bhawan, points out this year's specialty. "It is such a great coincidence that Baisakhi is falling during the navratra. The feeling is going to be completely different this year," he said. Baisakhi brings with it the dholki and gaana bajaana but this year, since the navratras are going on, the flavour of the evening will be Mata ki bhakti and as far as the parshad goes, well no onions, to say the least! But if you think that's going to deter any spirit, think again. "There is no better way to bring in our New Year than to chant Jai Mata Di! In fact, we have also recreated the Vaishnodevi Temple at the Punjab Bhawan," added Mehta.
A question props up. Does Baisakhi stand a chance against the 31st December excitement? Are the kids aware about what this day is all about? President of Punjab Club, Deepi Bahri is more than confident. "It might seem that kids aren't aware of this day and celebration but that's far from true. Traditionalism will always have a special place in our hearts. Baisakhi is just so colourful. We can't have Punjab here in the city but all arrangements are made to convert the club into a mini-Punjab. After all, it's all a matter of spreading joy and the festive spirit!" said Bahri.

Source The Times of india dt 15-4-2005 by Shradha Agarwal http://epaperdaily.timesofindia.com/Daily/skins/TOI/navigator.asp?Daily=TOIKM

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