He was speaking to the media in Washington DC at the conclusion of the two-day Nuclear Security Summit.

 

He said “This is a new year in several parts of the country and I convey my greetings to people back home and Non-Resident Indians.

 

Baisakhi marks the birth of the “Khalsa Panth” or the Sikh order. The Panth was established in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh on Baisakhi day.

 

Spread over seven days, the festival marks the beginning of the New Year for many Hindus, while villagers celebrate it with a variety of thrilling rural sports events.

 

The festival is celebrated across India on April 13, and goes by different name. While it is celebrated as “Baisakhi” by people of Punjab, in eastern India and north India, it is observed as Bihu”.