Vaisakhi (Sikhism, Hinduism)

Vaisakhi – sometimes spelled Baisakhi – has long been celebrated as a harvest festival across South Asia and especially in the Punjab region of India, where it is also observed by Hindus.

In Sikhism, Vaisakhi is one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar. It honors a pivotal moment in the evolution of the religion more than 300 years ago, when the tenth in a line of Gurus — or spiritual leaders — unified Sikhs and formalized many aspects of the faith. The holiday symbolizes standing up to oppression, and fighting for the rights of all. It occurs during the traditional harvest festival in Punjab.