Happy Baisakhi 2018: 4 Traditional Punjabi Dishes To Celebrate Baisakhi With

Punjabis around the country are celebrating Baisakhi today, 14th April, 2018. Baisakhi marks the harvest time of Rabi (winter) crops. It is one of the most significant festivals for Punjabis around the world. Baisakhi is celebrated on the first day of the 'Baisakh,' which happens to be the first month of the Hindu calendar. This day is observed as a thanksgiving day by the farming community. Today, in several parts of Punjab, people will gather for a ritual called 'Awat Pauni' where they harvest crops on vibrant beats of dhol and sing melodious folk songs, and thank their God for a good harvest season.

Baisakhi also holds great significance for the Sikh community. It was on this auspicious day that Guru Gobind Singh ji initiated Khalsa at Kesgarh in Anandpur Sahib in the year 1699. Baisakhi is celebrated with much pomp and fervour across Punjab and neighbouring states like Delhi and Himachal, too. Devotees throng Gurudwaras to seek blessings for the upcoming year. As the colour yellow represents joy and bounty, people dress up in vibrant hues of yellow and orange to celebrate the spirit of rebirth. Not just the clothes and motifs, people also like to add a tinge of gold and yellow in some of their foods. Meethey chawal, kheer, kadhi are specially prepared to keep up with the spirit. As it is the case with any Indian festival, food forms an iconic part of Baisakhi celebrations. Punjabi delicacies like sarson da saag, chhole bhature, pindi chane, achari mutton also make it to a traditional Baisakhi feast.

Here are some of the most iconic Punjabi dishes that are a must have in Baisakhi:

1. Peeley Chawal

Also known as meethe chawal or kesari chwal, peeley chawal are somewhat of a staple in Punjabi households during Baisakhi or Basant Panchami celebrations. The delicious combination is made of rice, which is sweetened using sugar syrup. Aromatic spices like cardamom, cloves, cinnamon and a whole lot of dry fruits and nuts are also used in the preparation. The delightful saffron, in addition to adding a fragrant flavour, also lends a beautiful yellow hue to the rice, making it the perfect festive treat for Baisakhi.

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_{Baisakhi 2018: Meethey chawal is one of the most relished dishes in Baisakhi}

2. Punjabi Kadhi

Traditional punjabi kadhi pakoda is one of the best representations of rich Punjabi flavours. It is spicy, it is sour and it is a treat to the soul. Made with full fat sour curd and a host of heart-warming spices, the yellow Kadhi goes best with piping hot chawal.

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3. Gud Ka Halwa

The summers are here in all its glory, but there are some winter delicacies we are not yet ready to part with. Gud ka halwa is one such delicacy relished widely across Punjabi households during Baisakhi. Made with oodles of ghee and jaggery, this warming dessert is a foodie's dream come true.

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4. Chole Bhature

Pillowy soft bhaturas teamed with chickpeas cooked in masalas is perhaps the most fiery start you can give to your day. This all-time favourite nashta is one of the most favourite celebratory foods of Baisakhi, too. Here's a delicious recipe you can try at your home, too.