New Delhi, Apr 13 (ANI): President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have greeted people on the occasion of Baisakhi today.
In their separate messages they have expressed hope that this festival will bring peace, happiness and prosperity to the people and the Nation.
Manmohan Singh has also extended his greetings to the people on Mesadi, Vishu, Vaisakhadi and Bahag Bihu.
Thousands of devotees visited the Golden Temple in Punjab on the occasion today.
Endless queue of devotees waited patiently to pay respects at the shrine as many others bathed in the holy pond for a dip which is meant to cleanse and purify their souls.
Baisakhi holds special significance for the Sikhs as this day also marks the birth anniversary of the "Khalsa Panth" or the Sikh order. The Panth was established in 1699 by the tenth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh on Baisakhi day.
"We celebrate Baisakhi by visiting the Gurudwara. People from far off places come here. We feel at peace after coming here," said Kuldeep Kaur, a devotee.
"Baisakhi is celebrated every year with great fervour on April 13. The importance of this festival is that we get relief from winter. There is a change of season. The crops are ready harvest at this time and the farmers are very happy," said Radheshyam Pasrecha, devotee.
Spread over seven days, the festival also marks the beginning of a New Year for many Hindus while villagers celebrate it with a variety of thrilling rural sports events.
April 13 marks harvest festival across India and goes by different names in various parts of the country. While it is celebrated as "Baisakhi" by the people of Punjab, in eastern India it is observed as "Bihu". (ANI)
