Vaisakhi is one of the key dates in the Sikh calendar.
It marks the anniversary of the founding of the Khalsa, the order into which followers are initiated or baptised.
It’s celebrated on April 13 or 14, and is also a harvest festival in the Punjab region of Asia.
But despite popular misconception, it's not the Sikh New Year.
In 2019, Birmingham’s free public celebrations take place in Handsworth Park on Sunday, April 28, along with two large local processions that lead to that location.
Watch the Vaisakhi procession leaving Smethwick:
So what are the greetings used for the event? What do people say to each other when the celebrate Vaisakhi?
Greetings and quotes - which may be given in the Punjabi language and can be used in texts or social media posts as well as in person - usually include a ‘Happy Vaisakhi’.
Below are some examples of typical Vaisakhi greetings.
- Wishing you and your family a fun-filled Vaisakhi and a prosperous new year ahead. Happy Vaisakhi!
- Fill your heart with love and joy, share your blessings and be thankful. Happy Vaisakhi!
- Hope this Vaisakhi fulfils all your desires and wishes. Happy Vaisakhi!
- Happy Vaisakhi to all my friends. May you be blessed with happiness and long life.
- May this special day of Vaisakhi hold in store the fulfilment of all your hopes and dreams. Have a joyous Vaisakhi!
- Get into the festive mood and let your heart dance to the rhythm of the drums. Happy Vaisakhi!
- On this Vaisakhi, let us pray it will be a year with new peace, new happiness, and an abundance of new friends. May God bless you throughout the coming season. Happy Vaisakhi!
- Hope the harvest brings endless joy and happy moments. Warm wishes on Vaisakhi!
- May this cheerful festival of Vaisakhi usher in good times and happiness that you deserve. Have a wonderful day. Happy Vaisakhi!
- May this celebration of Vaisakhi give your life a new beginning and a positive way of living. Happy Vaisakhi!
