Baisakhi was celebrated across homes in the city on Monday and people offered prayers in their homes because they could not visit gurdwaras during the lockdown.

A few committee members offered prayers, along with those who live there.

“We prayed at home for the well-being of all… to fight this pandemic together. Baisakhi has a religious and cultural significance for the Sikh and Punjabi community… the day is observed as thanksgiving for abundant harvest and to seek blessings for future prosperity and progress,” Satnam Singh Ahluwalia, general secretary of the Behala Gurdwara, said.

The gurdwara organised a langar on Monday like it has been doing during the lockdown to feed 3,500 underprivileged people, Ahluwalia said.

Celebrations are a low-key affair this time, a member of the community said. “There is uncertainty and people cannot go to the market like they usually do to get fresh vegetables. But still families made some signature dishes.”

Satnam Singh Ahluwalia distributes food Telegraph picture

“Only four or five members went to gurdwaras to offer prayers... We had cancelled the April 11-13 celebrations on the Maidan,” Satwant Singh, president of Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Calcutta, said.

“Usually, there are 3,000 to 4,000 people at the gurdwara on Baisakhi and there are people from other communities as well. This year, we did not organise the langar,” Devinder Singh, president of Dunlop Gurdwara, said.