Baisakhi Food | 50 Baisakhi Recipes

Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi is the popular Indian spring harvest festival which is celebrated on April 13 or 14 in northern India, especially by the Sikh/Punjabi community. The same festival is also celebrated pan India in various regions under different sobriquets. This year Baisakhi will be celebrated on April 14, 2023. I have created a special collection of 50 Recipes for Baisakhi here. Check it out.

Baisakhi festival vector image with text.

Significance of Baisakhi

The most significant aspect of Baisakhi or Vaisakhi is that it marks the Sikh New Year along with being the spring harvest festival.

This festival holds special importance for the Sikh community as in 1699, the foundation of the ‘Khalsa Panth’ or the ‘order of the free/pure ones’ was laid down on Baisakhi by the tenth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh. The Khalsa was founded by him at Anandpur Sahib, Punjab in front of thousands.

Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru of Sikhism had refused to convert to Islam under the command of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Thus, Baisakhi also commemorates the birth of Sikh order that began after the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur.

This festival is important for Hindus too. On this day in 1875, Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded the ‘Arya Samaj.’ This Hindu reform movement promotes practices that are based on the reliable authority of the Vedas.

Baisakhi is a holy day for Buddhists as well. It is believed that Gautam Buddha attained nirvana on this day.

More Regional Indian Spring Harvest Festivals

Traditionally, Baisakhi or Vaisakhi has always held special importance for farmers as this day marks the time for harvest of Rabi (winter) crops. This day also celebrates the beginning of the Hindu solar new year. Thus, in addition to the Sikhs, this festival is noteworthy for many other communities under different names throughout India.

For instance, as we travel through the length and breadth of India, we will find Baisakhi being celebrated as Pohela/Poila Boishakh or Nobo Borsho as the Bengali New Year, Vishu marking the end of the spring equinox in Kerala, Bohag Bihu in Assam, Puthandu as the Tamil New Year and Vaishakha in honor of Surya, the Sun God in Bihar.   

Baisakhi Food and Celebrations

Baisakhi is a day of thanksgiving to Mother Earth for the abundant harvest. This day is celebrated with fervour, joy and devotion by farmers as well as other people from the Sikh community.

They visit the Gurudwara for a special prayer meet with ‘ardaas’ and discourses. This is followed by the distribution of the famous ‘kada prashad’ by the sevaks/volunteers and a delicious ‘langar (a traditional communal meal of the Sikhs),’ which is relished by all. Golden Temple at Amritsar, Punjab is a main attraction especially on this day.

Baisakhi is also a vibrant day, full of colors. Traditional folk dances like ‘bhangra’ and ‘gidda’ are performed by men and women in villages.  

Vaisakhi is a day of bounty and hence, food plays a very important role in the celebrations. Also, because the Sikh/Punjabi community loves to eat and drink. So, just like for any other community, their festivals are also all about delectable food and beverages.

Here, I am listing some of the popular and favorite dishes from the Punjabi food repertoire that can be made during Baisakhi. Check these 50 Recipes for Baisakhi, prepare your menu and celebrate the festival with love, laughter and happiness. Wishing that the festival brings peace, prosperity and well-being to one all!

50 Baisakhi Food Recipes

Main Course Recipes

These variety of curries, gravies and vegetable dishes are some of my personal favorites. You can pair these with your choice of breads, rice or any other sides.

sarson ka saag in a white bowl on a rattan table with a white plate of makki ki roti on the side..
Moderate 4 hours

Sarson ka Saag Recipe (Authentic Punjabi Style)

Peppery, pungent and healthy, Punjabi Sarson ka Saag (or Sarson da Saag) is a favorite meal during the cold North Indian winters, especially when paired with Makki Ki Roti. Making this authentic dish is not difficult, but it does take some time.
white plate with sections filled with punjabi chole masala, sliced onions, fresh lemon wedges and bhatura on a marble table-top.
Moderate 9 hours 45 minutes

Chana Masala Recipe | Punjabi Chole Recipe

One of the best Chana Masala Recipe that you can make. This Chole recipe is made with freshly powdered spices, onions, tomatoes, herbs making the curry taste like the ones you get on the streets of Delhi. 
overhead shot of rajma recipe in a blue rimmed white bowl on a jute cloth with a brass spoon and bowl with onion rounds and lemon wedges
Moderate 9 hours 45 minutes

Rajma Recipe | Rajma Chawal (Punjabi Rajma Masala)

This Rajma recipe is a creamy, tangy and spiced curry made with dried kidney beans. This restaurant style Rajma Masala is made in a base of sautéed onions, tomatoes, spices and cream making it truly delicious. Best served with steamed hot rice (called chawal) or soft roti or flaky paratha.
dal makhani recipe
Moderate 9 hours

Dal Makhani Recipe (Authentic Punjabi Style)

This Dal Makhani recipe is a restaurant style version with subtle smoky flavors and creaminess of the lentils. Dal Makhani is one of the most popular lentil recipes from the North Indian cuisine made with whole urad dal (black gram) and kidney beans.
kadhi topped with pakora and coriander leaves in a white bowl.
Moderate 1 hour 10 minutes

Kadhi Recipe (Punjabi Kadhi Pakora)

Kadhi is a popular North Indian dish of onion fritters dunked in a spiced yogurt sauce. Also known as Kadhi Pakora this dish is best relished with steamed rice.
aloo gobi in a white bowl on a white board
Easy 1 hour

Aloo Gobi (2 Ways)

Aloo gobi is a comforting, delicious North Indian dish made with potatoes and cauliflower. Here I share two unique but equally tasty aloo gobi recipes: A creamy restaurant style version, and a simple home style dry variation.
dhaba dal garnished with chopped coriander leaves and served in a copper bowl
Moderate 45 minutes

Dhaba Dal (Made with 5 Lentils)

This creamy, spiced, flavorful Dhaba style dal fry is inspired from the dal served at Punjabi dhabas. The recipe is made more healthy and protein rich as it features 5 different dals or lentils.
close up shot of matar paneer on white rectangle plate on white marble table
Moderate 30 minutes

Matar Paneer Recipe | Punjabi Mutter Paneer

Matar Paneer is a popular North Indian curried dish featuring green peas and paneer (Indian cottage cheese) in a masala base of onions, tomatoes, cashews, spices and herbs. I’m sharing our family recipe of a flavorful and simple home-style Mutter Paneer. I have also shared making Matar Paneer in the Instant Pot and in a pan or pot on the stovetop.
bhindi masala in a white bowl on a off white napkin
Moderate 45 minutes

Bhindi Masala Recipe (Punjabi Style)

Bhindi Masala recipe is a North Indian, Punjabi style curried dish made with tender okra pods, piquant onions, tangy tomatoes, bold spices and herbs. It is one of the most popular dishes served in many Indian restaurants.
50 minutes

Kashmiri Dum Aloo

Baby potatoes simmered (dum cooked) in a spicy yogurt sauce or gravy. An authentic recipe from the Kashmiri cuisine.
paneer butter masala served in a blue rimmed white pan, garnished with cream and cilantro
Moderate 40 minutes

Paneer Butter Masala Recipe (Restaurant Style)

Paneer Butter Masala Recipe is one of India’s most popular paneer preparation. This restaurant style recipe with soft paneer cubes dunked in a creamy, lightly spiced tomato sauce or gravy is a best one that I have been making for a long time. This rich dish is best served with roti or chapati, paratha, naan or rumali roti.
amritsari chole garnished with ginger juliennes and served in a white bowl.
Moderate 8 hours 45 minutes

Amritsari Chole

Amritsari Chole is a delicious variation of the Indian chickpea curry from the city of Amritsar. This recipe of Amritsari Chole is vegan and gluten-free.
closeup shot of kadai paneer in a small kadai (Indian wok)
Moderate 30 minutes

Kadai Paneer Recipe (Restaurant Style)

Kadai Paneer is a tangy, deeply spiced paneer dish that is perfect for enjoying all year round. Made with Indian pantry staples like onions, tomatoes, capsicum (green bell peppers) and Indian spices, this bright dish comes together in 30 minutes.
chole bhature recipe
Moderate 9 hours 30 minutes

Chole Bhature | Chana Bhatura

Chole Bhature is a spicy chickpea curry that is served with leavened fried bread. Chole refers to the curry and Bhatura is the crispy and soft fried bread. This dish is popular in Punjab and parts of North India.

Bread Recipes

Apart from its robust curries, Punjabi food is also known for its yummy range of breads and flatbreads. This section is exactly what you need to pick your chosen one, prepare it and serve with the flavorful gravies.

three makki di roti served on a white plate.
Moderate 40 minutes

Makki ki Roti (Makki di Roti)

Makki ki roti is a popular unleavened bread made with maize flour (cornmeal). This Punjabi recipe of makki ki roti is made on a tawa (flat skillet) with some ghee or oil. It is also called as makki di roti in Punjabi language and is always served with sarson ka saag. 
Bhatura
Moderate 9 hours

Bhatura Recipe (No Yeast Bhature)

Bhatura or Bhature is a thick leavened fried Indian bread made with yeast or without yeast. These soft and fluffy no yeast bhatura are made with whole wheat flour (atta) and curd (dahi).
perfect golden puri placed on white parchment paper
Moderate 40 minutes

Poori Recipe | Crispy, Fluffy, Soft Puri

Poori or Puri is a traditional Indian fried unleavened bread made with only whole wheat flour, salt, and water. Make crispy, fluffy, and soft poori to enjoy with your favorite meals.
folded paneer paratha on top of a paneer paratha on a white plate.
Moderate 45 minutes

Paneer Paratha Recipe

Paneer paratha is a popular North Indian flatbread made with whole wheat flour dough and stuffed with savory, spiced, grated paneer (Indian cottage cheese) stuffing. Paneer paratha is one of the most popular stuffed paratha varieties from Punjab and usually made for breakfast.
butter naan recipe
Moderate 2 hours 30 minutes

Butter Naan

This recipe of Butter Naan does not require a traditional tandoor (a clay oven) to cook it. It is also a simpler and healthier version that is made with whole wheat flour and is brushed with butter before serving.
three garlic naan on a white plate.
Moderate 1 hour 40 minutes

Garlic Naan | How to make Garlic Naan Bread

My Garlic Naan recipe make for soft and tender textured breads which are doubly flavored with garlic. Not only the naan bread is brushed with garlic butter but the naan dough is also infused with fresh garlic.
naan recipe
Moderate 2 hours 50 minutes

Naan Recipe | Easy No Yeast Soft Naan Bread

Easy naan bread recipe without yeast on tawa or stovetop – soft, chewy and delicious naan bread made on stove-top and on a griddle.
three tandoori roti placed on top of a rattan roti box on a cream colored wooden board
Moderate 1 hour 10 minutes

Tandoori Roti (Butter Roti) – 2 Ways

This simply delicious, soft, chewy Tandoori Roti is one of my favorite Indian flatbread of all time. I share 2 different methods to make this yummy butter roti without tandoor.
aloo kulcha in a white plate
Moderate 3 hours 10 minutes

Aloo Kulcha

Aloo Kulcha is a crisp and soft leavened flatbread stuffed with a spiced mashed potato filling. The dish is from the North Indian cuisine and is very popular in Delhi as well as Punjab.
paneer kulcha served on a white plate.
Moderate 3 hours

Paneer Kulcha Recipe

Paneer kulcha are leavened flatbreads stuffed with a spiced and savory Indian cottage cheese filling. These flatbreads are made on a skillet or tawa to make for crispy yet soft and tender kulcha.
kulcha garnished with coriander leaves and served on a wooden plate.
Moderate 2 hours 45 minutes

Kulcha Recipe | Kulcha Bread

Kulcha is a popular soft leavened North Indian flatbread. It can be made in the tandoor as well as on a tawa or skillet. Serve Kulcha with a robust and spicy Chana Masala or Chickpea Curry.

Snack and Appetizer Recipes

Tasty tikkas, crave worthy chaats and more! Here’s a selection of the choicest of snacks and appetizers that’s going to take your Baisakhi celebrations, a notch higher. What’s more? These are easy to make and absolutely hassle free too.

paneer tikka
Moderate 2 hours 30 minutes

Paneer Tikka Recipe (Restaurant Style)

This Restaurant Style Paneer Tikka is a popular and delicious tandoori snack where paneer (Indian cottage cheese cubes) are marinated in a spiced yogurt-based marinade, arranged on skewers and grilled in the oven.
top shot of assembled dahi vada in a light green rimmed cream shallow plate topped with white curd, reddish tamarind chutney, green coriander chutney, pomegranate arils, chaat masala, cumin powder and coriander leaves
Moderate 8 hours 45 minutes

Dahi Vada Recipe (Authentic Recipe)

Fluffy, tender, tangy and sweet Dahi Vada are a combination of all your favorite flavors and textures in one tasty snack. Dahi Vada consist of homemade fried lentil dumpling fritters, dunked in creamy whipped yogurt and topped with both spicy and sweet chutneys.
amritsari paneer tikka recipe, paneer amritsari recipe
Moderate 55 minutes

Paneer Amritsari Recipe

The vegetarian version of the famous Amritsari Fish Tikka is Paneer Amritsari where paneer cubes are marinated in a spiced, tangy, gram flour mixture, together with spices, herbs and golden fried. Extra firm tofu can be used as a substitute for paneer.
5 hours 30 minutes

Dahi Bhalla | Dahi Bhalle Chaat

Popular and Tasty North Indian snack of dahi bhalla papdi chaat.
samosa kept in a cream tray with a bowl of green chutney and fried green chillies by the side
Moderate 1 hour 30 minutes

Samosa Recipe (Classic Punjabi Samosa)

A Samosa recipe that is your popular and classic Punjabi Samosa (or Aloo Samosa) with a super flaky, crispy crust and a savory, tangy potato and green peas filling. You can also choose to air-fry or bake these samosa instead of deep frying.
three aloo tikki kept vertically on a white plate with a spoon and a splash of coriander chutney on the plate.
Moderate 40 minutes

Aloo Tikki Recipe (Indian Potato Patties)

Aloo Tikki is a popular North Indian street food snack of savory, spiced and crispy potato patties. A basic Aloo Tikki Recipe is made with potatoes, spices, herbs, breadcrumbs or a binding flour and can be stuffed with a filling of mashed cooked green peas or cooked chana dal or paneer.
namak para or namak pare on a brass plate.
Moderate 1 hour 10 minutes

Namak Para | Namak Pare (Salty Diamond Cuts)

This Punjabi style Namak Para or Namak Pare are crispy, spiced and savory fried bites made with wheat flour, spices, fat and seasonings. These are a popular snack across North India that you can make as a tea-time snack or for festivals like Diwali.
closeup shot of veg cutlet cutlet placed on a tray with a few slices of tomatoes, cucumber
Moderate 45 minutes

Cutlet Recipe | Indian Vegetable Cutlet

Vegetable Cutlet are crisp, savory, tender patties made with a mix of hearty veggies, savory spices, fresh herbs and crispy breadcrumbs. Cutlet is a popular snack in Indian cuisine.
golgappa recipe, golgappa pani recipe
Moderate 25 minutes

Golgappa Recipe (Delhi Style) | Golgappa Pani

Golgappa is a favorite snack all over India. this recipe shares the North Indian way of making golgappa pani along with the stuffing – specifically the golgappa you get in Delhi.
overhead shot of papdi chaat in a white bowl
Moderate 9 hours 20 minutes

Papdi Chaat Recipe | Papri Chaat (Street Style)

Papdi chaat is a popular North Indian street food snack filled with a variety of mouth-watering textures, flavors and consists of papdi (fried flour crackers), boiled chickpeas, potatoes, chutneys and curd (yogurt.

Sweets or Dessert Recipes

What’s a festival celebration without ending the meal on that perfect sweet note? This assortment of sweets/desserts is going to make it very easy for you to include your favorite and enjoy Baisakhi like never before.

kada prashad served in a blue rimmed bowl with a spoon in it.
30 minutes

Kada Prashad Recipe

Kada prashad is a super delicious halwa that is served in gurudwaras as prasad. 
panjiri served in a glass bowl.
Moderate 25 minutes

Panjiri Recipe

Panjiri is a traditional Punjabi sweet made with whole wheat flour, powdered sugar and ghee.
gulgule recipe
Moderate 25 minutes

Gulgule Recipe | Pua Recipe (Gulgula)

Gulgule (singular Gulgula) are crispy, fluffy, soft, fried Indian doughnuts made with whole wheat flour, banana, sugar or jaggery and fennel seeds. It is a special and unique sweet from the North Indian cuisine and is also referred to as pua, pooda, or puda in Punjabi.
closeup overhead shot of phirni with pistachios and almond slivers garnish on glass bowl on black board
Easy 30 minutes

Phirni Recipe | Firni

Phirni is a classic creamy slow-cooked sweet pudding made with ground rice, sugar, milk, almonds, saffron and cardamom powder. It is a popular North Indian sweet made during festive occasions.
overhead shot of gajar halwa or carrot halwa filled in a bronze bowl placed on a bronze plate
Moderate 1 hour 10 minutes

Gajar Ka Halwa | Traditional Carrot Halwa Recipe

A Carrot Halwa recipe made in the traditional way and slow-cooked – with just grated carrots, whole milk, ghee, sugar and some nuts. You will love this evergreen and popular Gajar ka Halwa recipe. Make this rich sweet for special occasions or during festivals.
atta laddu served in a brown bowl with text layovers.
Moderate 15 minutes

Atta Laddu | Wheat Ladoo

These wheat ladoo make for a good sweet snack for kids as well as for the whole family. Easy and quick to prepare delicious ladoo made with whole wheat flour, sugar and ghee.
besan ke laddu, besan ladoo
Moderate 30 minutes

Easy Besan ke Laddu Recipe

Besan Ladoo or Besan ke Laddu is a popular Indian sweet made during festivals. These are round sweet balls made with gram flour a.k.a besan, powdered sugar and clarified butter (ghee).
rice kheer recipe
Moderate 50 minutes

Kheer Recipe | Rice Kheer

Rice Kheer is a popular Indian sweet dessert made with basmati rice, whole milk, nuts and saffron. Kheer recipe is easy and is made with a one pan or one pot method. Rice Kheer is basically Indian rice pudding and makes for a creamy delicious sweet dessert. 

Drinks Recipes

These lovely beverages are refreshing, cooling and very, very festive! Also, get done within minutes. Perfect way to chill yourself after a round of heavy dancing and merry-making.

sweet lassi topped with crushed cardamom powder and saffron in two tall glasses
Easy 10 minutes

Lassi Recipe (3 Delicious Variations)

Lassi is a cooling, refreshing, probiotic drink perfect for the warm summer months made essentially with curd or yogurt, fragrant spices and sugar or salt. Popular in Punjab and North India, there are many variations of this sweet lassi recipe. Find three easy, energizing and flavorful lassi recipe variations.
aam panna in glass on a green table.
Moderate 20 minutes

Aam Panna Recipe – With Boiled and Roasted Mangoes

Aam ka panna is a cooling Indian summer drink made with unripe green tart mangoes. It is slightly sour and sweet to taste and is flavored with cardamom, cumin and black salt. This recipe post shows the method of making both aam panna syrup concentrate and the drink using the method of boiling as well as roasting mangoes. 
closeup shot of mango lassi with mint sprigs filled in a glass on a red and white checkered cloth
Easy 15 minutes

Mango Lassi Recipe (Creamy & Thick)

Mango Lassi, an all time Indian favorite summer drink is a creamy, thick, refreshing and delicious variation of lassi. Make this easy Mango Lassi recipe in less than 15 minutes with ripe mangoes, yogurt and your choice of flavorings – cardamom, saffron or rose water.
jaljeera recipe, jal jeera recipe
Moderate 20 minutes

Jaljeera Recipe

Jaljeera is an Indian spiced, tangy and savory cooling drink, which is also served as an appetizer. This North Indian, non-alcoholic, vegan beverage is made with water, cumin and other amazing spices and herbs.
rose lassi recipe
15 minutes

Rose Lassi

Rose lassi is a fragrant, refreshing and cooling lassi variety made with fresh curd, rose petals and rose syrup.
closeup shot of shikanji in a glass with mint leaves
Easy 5 minutes

Nimbu Pani Recipe | Shikanji (Indian Lemonade)

Nimbu Pani and Shikanji are the Indian versions of lemonade or limeade made with fresh lemon juice, water, sugar, salt and optionally a few ground spices.
close up shot of masala chaas or chaas filled in a glass with a few cilantro sprigs
Easy 10 minutes

Chaas Recipe (Mattha Recipe)

The classic Chaas (Chaach/Mattha) also known as the Indian version of buttermilk is a refreshingly cooling summer drink made with creamy yogurt and seasonings. It is an excellent body cooler, digestive and appetizer. Find two easy chaas recipes – Masala Chaas and Pudina Chaas.

This Baisakhi recipes from the blog archives first published in April 2013 has been updated and republished on December 2022.

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Meet Dassana

Welcome to Dassana's Veg Recipes. I share vegetarian recipes from India & around the World. Having been cooking for decades and with a professional background in cooking & baking, I help you to make your cooking journey easier with my tried and tested recipes showcased with step by step photos & plenty of tips & suggestions.

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4 Comments

  1. Hi Dassana 😀 Amazing collection of delicious food you have 😀

    I wanted to ask that can you please [ please, please, please] put the recipe of How to make Veg marshmallows at home? Just asking :))))

    Thank you for the lovely recipes 😀

      1. Yay! Thank you 😀 😀 I am eagerly looking forward to the recipe.. :)))))))))