LOHRI

LOHRI marks the culmination of winter, and is celebrated on the 13th day of January in the month of Paush or Magh, a day before Makar Sankranti. For Punjabis, this is more than just a festival, it is also an example of a way of life. Lohri celebrates fertility and the spark of life. People gather round the bonfires, throw sweets, puffed rice and popcorn into the flames, sing popular songs and exchange greetings.

Hola Mohalla

The spring season is ushered in by the Hola Mohalla at Anandpur Sahib. The Festival has great historical significance as it observes the militarization of Sikh followers into the order of Nihangs (warriors) by Guru Gobind at Anandpur Sahib. Celebrated on the day after Holi, the festival makes for a thrilling spectacle. Martial arts like archery, sword fencing, skillful horse-riding, tent-pegging, and the deft handling of other martial contraptions are displayed by the Nihangs. The festivities close with a ceremonial procession taken through the township and culminate in langar (The Common Kitchen).

HOLI

Holi the festival of color is marked as the opening festival in Hindu calendar, falls on the full moon day in the month of PHALGUN. People enjoy themselves playing with several colours and celebrate the whole day with much pump and gaiety.

Baisakhi

Baisakhi is a seasonal festival with a special accent. It is celebrated all over the State on the first of Baisakh. This is the time when harvest is gathered in and the farmer exults in the fulfillment of his year's hard work.

Maghi

Maghi is the occassion when Sikhs commemorate the sacrifice of forty Sikhs, who fought for Guru Gobindh Singh Ji. Maghi falls on the 13th January, 2005, worldwide.

Diwali

Diwali The festival of lights, Diwali at the Golden Temple with rich decorations illuminations and fire works, creates an ambience which lingers in the minds of the onlookers for a long time. On this day Guru Hargobind Singh, the sixth Guru of the Sikhs reached Amritsar after his release from Gwalior during the reign of the Jehangir. The fair attracts lakhs of people.

Guruparavs

Guruparavs celebrate the births and honor the martyrdom of Sikh Gurus. Three major Gurupurabs are: the birth anniversaries of Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind and the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev. On the full moon of Kartik, the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak is celebrated by the devotees with great ardor. Two days before the day of Gurupurab a non-stop reading of the Adi Granth starts and religious congregations are held and hymns from the Granth Sahib are chanted. Large processions of people singing and offering prayers march through the towns. At night buildings are illuminated.

Basant Punchami

Basant Punchami is the most famous of the seasonal fairs and marks the advent of spring. At the time of Basant Panchami, fields of mustard bloom all over rural Punjab, a spirit of gay abandon pervades the air and the heart and soul become one with nature. Basant Panchami held in many villages of Punjab presents a bright yellow scene as people put on yellow costumes maintaining the mood of the season. Kite-flying is the major attraction of Basant Panchami and an innumerable number of multi colored kites dot the skies on this day.