What is Baisakhi Mela?

India is land of festivals and unique traditions. People in this country celebrate any occasion with immense joy and elation. Baisakhi is one festival in the country which is celebrated with loud celebrations and merriment throughout the country.

However, the zealous and vibrant celebrations in Punjab can’t be compared to the celebration at any other place in the country. One unique feature of the festival is the Baisakhi Mela (fair). One can explore the vivid and vibrant culture of the rural life of Punjab in such fairs. As most of the Punjab is a farming state, the farmers of the state happy with the harvest and the consequent prosperity make merry and participate in the Vaisakhi fair with joy and enthusiasm.

Baisakhi Mela in India

Baisakhi Fairs are tremendously popular in Punjab. It is one of the most awaited celebrations during the entire year. People from far off places come with their family and friends to take part in these colorful fairs. Most captivating features of these Vaisakhi Mela are the crazy bhangra and gidda performances. Other than this, you can also get to see activities like races, wrestling bouts, singing and acrobatics in the fair. Some rural folk artists with instruments like vanjli and algoza also entertain people.

Baisakhi Fairs are made more beautiful by the stalls of local handicrafts and items like bangles, toys, and other trinkets of domestic use. Food stalls selling scrumptious Punjabi dishes are also the key crowd-puller in the Mela. Baisakhi Fairs at the Talwandi Sabo is famous for its colorful celebrations all over the world. The popularity of the vibrant Baisakhi fair is not only limited to villages of Punjab, Baisakhi melas are equally awaited in the big cities and small towns of the other states in the country.

Baisakhi Fairs Around The World

With the migration of Punjabis all over the world, Vaisakhi fairs have also marked their presence in other countries of the world, where there is a significant Sikh population. This fair has now become almost a global occasion; thanks to the significant Sikh population spread every where in the world. In UK, the Baisakhi Fairs are organized with zest at Trafalgar Square in London. Liveliness and enthusiasm of these Baisakhi fairs pulls the people of various other communities, religion and ethnicity towards itself. Baisakhi celebrations in the city of Toronto, New York and New Jersey are also very popular. The participation of Bollywood stars and singers in the international Baisakhi Fairs makes this fair a glitzy and glamorous affair. Lively Bhangra and Gidda performances and the internationally acclaimed Punjabi cuisine are the major crowd pullers in the fair.