Vaisakhi celebrates the start of Sikhism, which began hundreds of years ago.
It is celebrated on 13 or 14 April every year.
Some Sikhs celebrate by going on a parade, or by meeting friends and family at a temple, which is called a Gurdwara.
Find out how Amardas' family celebrate Vaisakhi in this My First Festivals video.
Narrator: This is Amardas and he is six years old. He likes to come to the park with his family and dog, Saffie.
Today, Amardas will do something new for the first time, but what will it be?
Dad has some special news for Amardas.
Amardas’ Dad: Hey, what's coming up shortly for the Sikhs? It's a big event.
Amardas: Vaisakhi?
Amardas’ Dad: Yes.
Amardas’ Mum: Ah, yeah.
Narrator: Vaisakhi celebrates the start of the Sikh religion, which began hundreds of years ago in 1699. Vaisakhi is celebrated with parades, and meeting together at a temple, which is known as a Gurdwara.
A ceremonial cleaning for the Sikh flag is held. The temple is decorated, and everybody gets together and shares traditional food.
Back at home, Dad teaches Amardas the tabla drums.
Amardas’ Dad: So put your hands on the tabla. Now, copy me.
Narrator: Amardas follows what Dad does.
Amardas: Dhin Na.
Amardas’ Dad: Middle finger. Watch my wrist. It will never move from there.
Amardas’ Dad: Dhin Na.
Amardas: Dhin Na.
Amardas’ Dad: Ta Ti.
Amardas: Ta Ti.
Amardas’ Dad: Dhin… Na.
Amardas: Dhin… Na.
Narrator: Dad teaches him how to tap in time to the beat.
Amardas’ Dad: One finger. Watch. Right. Do you want to race?
Amardas’ Dad: Ke Tin Dha Dhin.
Amardas and Dad: Ke Tin Dha Dhin. Ke Tin Dha Dhin.
Armardas’ Dad: Faster!
Narrator: Wow! That's fast!
Amardas’ Dad: That's it. So, you have to practise that for ten weeks.
Narrator: Ten weeks?! That's a lot of drumming!
At the temple, everybody is getting ready to celebrate Vaisakhi.
Amardas then heads inside for a special Vaisakhi service where they read from the holy book, which is called the Guru Granth Sahib.
After the ceremony, everybody is hungry.
Amardas helps setting up the carpets to sit on, and then it's time to have some food. That looks delicious!
Man: Want a samosa?
Amardas: Yes.
Narrator: Everybody has their food together, and Amardas is joined by his friends.
After the temple, Amardas and his family have come to a separate community event to take part in a cultural celebration. They're making colourful patterns using pasta, rice, and lentils.
Woman: And you can do that and use your hands just to tidy up.
Amardas’ Dad: Do this technique, look.
Narrator: Everyone then sits down to watch some special dances.
Amardas’ Dad: We're going to watch that group. Yes.
Narrator: What a great Vaisakhi it's been!
Where next?
Find out more with these quizzes and activities.
My First Festivals
CBEEBIES
NEW Creative Lab game - spring update! game
Time to get creative! Creative Lab is an art and design game that lets you paint, draw, build and design. Now with 3D sculpt mode and immersive backgrounds. Use new materials like wood, marble, steel and gold. We've added more brush types: charcoal, felt tip, watercolour and print. Plus spring-themed stickers and templates!
