For the first time ever, the Consulate General of India in Seattle hosted a vibrant celebration of Baisakhi at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia. Olympia’s State Capitol hosted its first-ever Baisakhi celebration, drawing the presence of key state leaders such as Governor Bob Ferguson, Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck, and Secretary of State Steve Hobbs. The trio joined Indian American Sikh community members in honouring the cultural festivity.
The Indian Consulate in Seattle took to X (formerly Twitter) to thank the dignitaries and acknowledged the enthusiastic participation of Sikh leaders from various parts of Washington. The post celebrated the event’s success and extended warm wishes for Baisakhi.
The celebration also drew several state senators and legislators, making it a landmark occasion that underlined the growing recognition of Indian festivals in the American political landscape. Prominent Sikh residents and cultural representatives from Washington joined in, making the event a spirited tribute to unity and heritage.
Back in India, Baisakhi was observed on April 13 with grand devotion. Thousands of pilgrims thronged the Golden Temple in Amritsar, offering prayers and taking a sacred dip in the holy Sarovar. The temple, known officially as Sri Harmandir Sahib, was abuzz with religious energy and spiritual celebration.
The festival, which marks the Sikh New Year and the spring harvest season, is celebrated with prayers at Gurudwaras, processions called Nagar Kirtans, and the sharing of sacred food, known as ‘kada prasad’. Baisakhi also commemorates the formation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699—a day when the revered Guru declared equality among all castes and established a collective Sikh identity.
In other parts of India, devotees participated in traditional rituals. In Haridwar, pilgrims bathed in the Ganga at Har ki Pauri, while in Ujjain, special aarti was held at the Mahakaleshwar Temple. The day stands as a powerful symbol of faith, equality, and celebration across regions and communities.
