Hyderabad: The Punjabi community in Hyderabad is all set to celebrate Baisakhi, the spring and harvest festival, with traditional fervour and cultural vibrance on Sunday. With celebrations having already begun a week ago, Gurudwaras, cultural organisations, and hotels across the twin cities are gearing up for the grand occasion.Reflecting the sizeable presence of Punjabis in the region, the city is home to 29 Gurudwaras, many of which have planned elaborate celebrations, including prayers, langar (community meal), and cultural programmes. At Gurudwara Sahib in Secunderabad, preparations were in full swing. “Prayers will begin in the morning and continue till 11 am, followed by langar for all devotees,” said Baldev Singh, chairman of the Gurudwara Committee. “Free medical check-ups and medicine distribution will also be part of the services. For us, Hyderabad is like Punjab — we celebrate with the same devotion and scale.” Gurudwara Sahib in Ameerpet will observe Saajna Diwas, commemorating the formation of the Khalsa Panth. A week-long recitation of Gurbani Kirtans and the completion of the Shri Akhand Path of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji has been underway. The event will feature renowned Ragi Jathas from across the country rendering devotional hymns, concluding with Guru Ka Langar and a grand Nagar Keertan procession at 5.30 pm. Adding a festive culinary touch, hotels across the city are hosting Punjabi food festivals. Akhilesh Kumar, a hotelier, said, “We hosted a 10-day Punjabi food festival that received an overwhelming response. People in Hyderabad love Punjabi cuisine, and Baisakhi draws them back for more.” Celebrated Punjabi chef Raju Singh Sonwal highlighted popular dishes such as Sarson ka Saag, Rajma Chawal, Pindi Chole, Kadhi Pakodi, and sweet Pinni. “Demand for Punjabi cuisine is rising. I’ve been mentoring new chefs and sharing recipes as interest grows,” he added. Taking the celebrations to a grand scale, the Telangana Punjabi Sabha is organising its annual Baisakhi Mela at HICC, expecting over 4,000 attendees. The event will feature cultural programmes, folk dances, and a special performance by renowned Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan. “We’re making this year’s celebration even more special with a vibrant cultural stage,” said Ravinder Singh Sarna, president of the sabha. “Established in 1963, the Telangana Punjabi Sabha continues to uphold the rich traditions of Punjab and unite the Punjabi diaspora in Telangana.”