Vaisakhi, also known as Baisakhi or Mesadi, marks the first day of the month of Vaisakh and is traditionally celebrated annually on 13 April or sometimes 14 April. It is seen as a spring harvest celebration primarily in Punjab and Northern India. Whilst it is culturally significant as a festival of harvest, in many parts of India, Vaisakhi is also the date for the Indian Solar New Year. But to Sikhs this is not the new year as first of Chet month is celebrated as new year according to the Nanakshahi calendar. Although Vaisakhi began as a grain harvest festival for Hindus and its observance predates the creation of Sikhism, it gained historical association with the Sikhs following the inauguration of the Khalsa.
Prime Minister Mark Carney is under fire after celebrating Vaisakhi at a Sikh temple in Ottawa while remaining silent on Palm..