The New Year's day in Punjab is celebrated as Baisakhi, as it is the first day of the month Vaisakh, according to the Hindi calendar. It falls on April 13, though once in 36 years it occurs on 14th April.
Baisakhi holds special status for the Punjab, as 300 years ago (in 1699) the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa (the Sikh brotherhood) on this day. For the Sikhs, Baisakhi is their founding day.
On this day, a visit to the gurdwaras (Sikh temples) is a must. Kirtans (religious songs) and discourses are held here and people throng to listen to them and participate. The Holy Scriptures known as the Guru Granth Sahib is read and the book is then carried in a procession. The Bhangra (Punjab's folk dance) is also performed on Baisakhi with great vigour and enthusiasm. For people in villages this festival is a last opportunity for relaxing before they start harvesting the winter crop of wheat.

Where: Punjab, other areas of North India.