Gurugram (Haryana) [India], April 22 (HBTV): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini extended greetings on the occasion of Baisakhi on Sunday and offered prayers at Gurudwara Sadh Sangat in Gurugram.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Saini said, ‘I extend my greetings to everyone on the occasion of Baisakhi. It is an occasion of happiness for everyone.’

Taking to X, Saini said he prayed for the happiness, prosperity, and well-being of the people of the state.

‘Today, on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi, I bowed my head at Gurdwara Sadh Sangat (Gurugram) and prayed for the happiness, prosperity and well-being of my family members in the state. Paying homage to the martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh, congratulated the Sangat on the 326th foundation day of Khalsa and the sacred festival of Baisakhi,’ Saini wrote on X.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister also offered prayers at Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara in the Rupnagar district.

Speaking on the significance of the day, Saini said, ‘It's a day of immense pride. On this day, Khalsa Panth was formed. This day, 13th April, is also important as the Jallianwala Bagh massacre happened when General Dyer ordered firing on a crowd of unarmed civilians in Amritsar. We bow to all those who lost their lives.’

Baisakhi is a harvest festival that also marks the beginning of the New Year in some parts of India. It is celebrated with enthusiasm and traditional joy. The festival is known for symbolising prosperity, success, and community spirit through rituals and celebration.

This year, Baisakhi was celebrated on April 13. Also known as Vaisakhi, the festival marks the beginning of the Punjabi and Sikh New Year and is primarily celebrated in North India, especially Punjab. It also marks the start of the harvest season.

On April 13, 1919, the Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred, which remains one of the darkest chapters in India's colonial history. The massacre marked a turning point in India's freedom struggle and is remembered as a symbol of courage and resistance.

Thousands had gathered at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar during Baisakhi to celebrate the festival and peacefully protest the Rowlatt Act, demanding the release of leaders Dr Satyapal and Dr Saifuddin Kitchlew, when General Dyer ordered open fire on the unarmed crowd.

(ANI)