Although the traditions associated with the holiday of Vaisakhi aren't ones with which I am particularly familiar, I am taken with the idea of nearly all the major world religions participating in some kind of reflection and celebration these April days.
Tomorrow, April 14th, Hindus and Sikhs the world over will celebrate Vaisakhi or Baisakhi, an extremely popular Spring harvest festival marking the beginning of the new Sikh and Hindu solar year, which begins with the month of Vaisakhi.
Hindus believe that on the first day of Vaisakhi, the river goddess Ganga descended to earth, so bathing in rivers is considered propitious.
For Sikhs, the holiday brings to mind famous warriors—the Khalsa—defending Guru Gobind Singh after the murder of his father by the Mugahl emperor.
Both traditions celebrate with food and charity, including provision of fruit, hand fans, and water pitchers to people in need. Processions are carried out at Hindu pilgrim sites and kirtan storytelling performances are held at Sikh gurudwaras. It is a time of great joy and solemn remembrances, of singing and dancing and eating and being with family and friends.
This Sunday, we gather to honor the Passover and Easter traditions, but let us keep our siblings in spirituality close to mind and in our hearts: Hindus and Sikhs celebrating Vaisakhi, Muslims halfway through the fasting month of Ramadan, and earth-centered celebrators of the season invoking the goddess Eostre. We are one in rebirth, in hope, in joy, and in community.
These days when there is so much tragedy in the world, it's good to remember and celebrate the bonds across our faith traditions.
Happy Vaisakhi,
Rev. Craig
