Vaisakhi is one of the most joyous festivals in the Punjabi calendar — a harvest celebration, a Sikh New Year, and a cultural milestone all rolled into one. And if there is one thing that defines Vaisakhi more than the vibrant processions, the bhangra dancers, and the aroma of freshly cooked langar, it is the music. The right songs can turn a quiet gathering into a full-on dhol-fuelled dance floor. Whether you are hosting a Vaisakhi party, building the perfect road trip playlist before a parade, or just immersing yourself in the spirit of Punjab, you have come to the right place. At GlobalMusicVibe, we have curated the 20 best songs for Vaisakhi — a mix of timeless folk classics, Bollywood bangers, and brand-new releases that belong on every playlist this season.
Tunak Tunak Tun – Daler Mehndi
Released in 1998, “Tunak Tunak Tun” by Daler Mehndi is arguably the most iconic bhangra song ever made, and it remains essential listening for Vaisakhi celebrations worldwide. Daler Mehndi, often called the King of Bhangra, crafted this track in response to critics who said he only became popular because of beautiful women in his videos — so he starred in all four roles himself in the now-legendary music video. The song’s infectious dhol-driven rhythm, repetitive hook, and Mehndi’s powerful baritone voice make it an instant crowd-pleaser that transcends generations, and it has since crossed hundreds of millions of views on YouTube.
Gur Nalo Ishq Mitha – Malkit Singh
Malkit Singh is a titan of British Punjabi bhangra, and “Gur Nalo Ishq Mitha” stands as one of his most celebrated songs, a favourite at Vaisakhi festivals from Amritsar to Birmingham to Vancouver. The title translates roughly to “love is sweeter than jaggery,” and Malkit’s rich, earthy vocals bring enormous warmth and joy to the track. Malkit Singh was awarded an OBE for his services to music, and this song in particular has remained a beloved anthem for decades, regularly appearing on bhangra and Punjabi festival playlists around the world.
Balle Balle – Sukhbir
“Balle Balle” by Sukhbir is the quintessential Punjabi party cry turned into a song, a track that simply cannot be played without triggering spontaneous bhangra on the dance floor. Released in 1997 as part of the hit Bollywood film “Dil To Pagal Hai,” the song became synonymous with Punjabi celebration culture almost overnight. Sukhbir’s energetic delivery, layered over driving dhol beats and a punchy bassline, made it one of the defining Punjabi pop tracks of its era, and its presence at Vaisakhi gatherings remains as strong as ever.
Challa – Gurdas Maan
Gurdas Maan is the living legend of Punjabi folk and pop music, and “Challa” is widely regarded as one of his masterpieces — a deeply evocative song rooted in the folk tradition of Punjab that resonates deeply during Vaisakhi. The song tells the story of a wandering Sufi soul, and Maan’s soulful voice, accompanied by traditional Punjabi instruments, creates a goosebump-inducing listening experience that feels timeless. Gurdas Maan began his recording career in the early 1980s and has since released over 34 albums, but “Challa” consistently ranks among his most-loved and most-played tracks on YouTube.
Laung Da Lashkara – Shankar Mahadevan, Hard Kaur, Mahalakshmi Iyer
From the 2012 Bollywood film “Patiala House,” “Laung Da Lashkara” is a high-energy Vaisakhi special that blends Punjabi folk melodies with contemporary Bollywood production, featuring Akshay Kumar and Anushka Sharma dancing in the film’s iconic sequence. Composed by the acclaimed trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and sung by Shankar Mahadevan, Hard Kaur, and Mahalakshmi Iyer, the song bursts with celebratory energy and traditional imagery from the harvest season. Its infectious chorus and the thwacking dhol breaks make it one of the best Bollywood choices for any Vaisakhi playlist, and it has millions of views across music platforms.
Lover – Diljit Dosanjh
Diljit Dosanjh has become the biggest global superstar of Punjabi music in the modern era, and “Lover” is one of his most beloved pop anthems — a track that perfectly blends Punjabi sensibility with global pop production. The song was released as part of his 2021 album “MoonChild Era” and quickly became a fan favourite, showcasing Diljit’s signature smooth vocal style and effortlessly cool delivery. With hundreds of millions of streams worldwide and a massive YouTube presence, “Lover” is the kind of track that energises any Vaisakhi party while representing the modern face of Punjabi music on the world stage.
Tauba Tauba – Karan Aujla
Karan Aujla’s “Tauba Tauba” from the 2024 Bollywood film “Bad Newz” was one of the biggest viral Punjabi-Bollywood crossover hits of the year, driven by Vicky Kaushal’s showstopping dance performance in the music video that became a social media sensation. Aujla, who has emerged as one of the most exciting forces in contemporary Punjabi music, wrote and performed the track with his characteristic sharp lyricism and melodic rap sensibility. The song debuted high on multiple Indian music charts and racked up tens of millions of views on YouTube within days of its release, making it a must-have on any modern Vaisakhi playlist.
Brown Munde – AP Dhillon, Gurinder Gill, Shinda Kahlon
“Brown Munde” is a generation-defining Punjabi anthem by AP Dhillon, Gurinder Gill, and Shinda Kahlon that captured the pride and swagger of young Punjabi identity in a way few songs had done before. Released in 2020, it became a global phenomenon almost instantly, topping streaming charts and earning hundreds of millions of views on YouTube, cementing AP Dhillon’s reputation as one of the most influential Punjabi artists of the decade. Its strutting, confident energy, blending trap production with Punjabi folk inflections, makes it a perfect addition to a Vaisakhi playlist that wants to balance tradition with contemporary cool.
Mundian To Bach Ke – Panjabi MC
Panjabi MC’s “Mundian To Bach Ke,” originally released in 1998, became a global crossover phenomenon when a remix featuring Jay-Z made the British charts in 2003, introducing Punjabi music to mainstream Western audiences in an unprecedented way. Built around the iconic “Knight Rider” bassline fused with hard-hitting dhol beats, the track is as electrifying today as it was when it first dropped, making it a reliable floor-filler at Vaisakhi events worldwide. The song is a testament to the universal power of Punjabi rhythms and remains one of the most recognised Punjabi tracks ever made, available across all major platforms including YouTube.
Morni Banke – Guru Randhawa, Neha Kakkar
From the 2018 Bollywood film “Badhaai Ho,” “Morni Banke” features the distinctive vocals of Guru Randhawa and Neha Kakkar over a light, flutey Punjabi folk melody that is particularly well-suited to the joyful spirit of Vaisakhi. The song references the morni — the female peacock — a beloved symbol in Punjabi folk imagery, and its nostalgic quality has made it a favourite among older listeners as well as younger audiences. Badhaai Ho was a critically acclaimed hit, and this track stands out as one of its most memorable musical moments, boasting tens of millions of views on YouTube.
Diljala – Hans Raj Hans
Hans Raj Hans is one of the most respected voices in Punjabi folk and Sufi music, and “Diljala” is one of his most celebrated tracks, a song built on the deep emotional vocabulary of traditional Punjab. His rich, resonant vocals carry generations of musical heritage, and the song’s combination of folk instruments and heartfelt lyricism makes it particularly moving when played during Vaisakhi, a festival that honours both the land and the community. Hans Raj Hans has performed for audiences across the world, representing the soul of Punjabi classical folk music, and “Diljala” remains widely available and loved on YouTube.
Dildarian – Amrinder Gill
Amrinder Gill is known for his understated, deeply lyrical approach to Punjabi music, and “Dildarian” is one of his most cherished songs — a track that captures the warmth, longing, and community spirit that lie at the heart of Vaisakhi. Unlike the high-energy bhangra tracks that dominate most playlists, Gill’s work offers a more reflective side of Punjabi music, drawing from the rich tradition of Punjabi folk poetry. Released in 2006 as the title track of his Dildarian album, this collaboration with lyricist Surjit Patar produced one of the finest Punjabi recordings of the decade, and it remains a deeply loved fan favourite on YouTube.
Kikli – Traditional Punjabi Folk
Kikli is a traditional Punjabi folk game-song traditionally performed by young girls during Vaisakhi celebrations, involving two players spinning in circles while holding hands — and its association with the festival is ancient and joyful. The folk melody has been covered and reimagined by countless Punjabi artists over the decades, and its cheerful, repetitive structure makes it instantly recognisable and irresistible for dancing. Many popular versions exist on YouTube performed by traditional folk artists and school choirs, keeping this culturally important song alive for new generations who celebrate Vaisakhi around the world.
Oh! Jatta Ayi Vaisakhi – Mohammed Rafi
Mohammed Rafi’s “Oh! Jatta Ayi Vaisakhi” from the classic 1977 Bollywood film “Immaan Dharam” is one of the most direct and joyful tributes to the Vaisakhi festival ever committed to record, featuring Rafi’s legendary golden voice celebrating the harvest with pure infectious delight. The song is steeped in the traditional imagery of the Punjabi harvest season, with its flute motifs and dhol beats evoking the fields and the festivities of the period. It carries a powerful nostalgic charge for anyone who grew up listening to golden era Bollywood, and it remains a treasured addition to any Vaisakhi playlist available on YouTube.
Bijlee Bijlee – Harrdy Sandhu
Harrdy Sandhu’s 2021 hit “Bijlee Bijlee” was one of the biggest Punjabi pop songs of that year, combining an irresistibly catchy hook with a contemporary production style that drew from both bhangra and modern Punjabi pop traditions. The song’s energy is electric — literally, as the title suggests — and it became a viral sensation on social media platforms as well as a chart-topping hit across Indian music streaming services. With hundreds of millions of views on YouTube, “Bijlee Bijlee” is the kind of modern crowd-pleaser that works equally well as a Vaisakhi playlist opener or a wedding dance floor opener, bridging old and new Punjabi musical sensibilities.
Naina – Diljit Dosanjh & Badshah (from Crew, 2024)
“Naina,” featuring Diljit Dosanjh and Badshah from the hit 2024 Bollywood film “Crew,” was one of the standout new Punjabi-Hindi fusion tracks of the year, combining two of India’s biggest musical forces into a single, irresistible release. The song was composed and written by the versatile Raj Ranjodh and showcases the distinct personalities of both Diljit and Badshah in a complementary and exciting way. It ranked at number 16 among the most-streamed songs in India on Spotify for 2024, and its music video on YouTube has accumulated tens of millions of views, making it a fresh, current choice for a Vaisakhi playlist that wants to include the best of recent Punjabi music.
Making Memories – Karan Aujla
Karan Aujla’s 2023 album “Making Memories” was a landmark release that took Punjabi music to new commercial heights in Canada and internationally, and its title track became one of the most emotionally resonant and widely shared Punjabi songs of recent years. Aujla’s storytelling ability, drawing from his personal journey from Punjab to Canada and his struggles along the way, gives the song a depth and authenticity that connects with diaspora listeners on a profound level. The album debuted at number 5 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart, a historic achievement for a Punjabi artist, and “Making Memories” is readily available and loved on YouTube for its heartfelt tribute to the journey and the memories we hold close — a perfect thematic match for the reflective side of Vaisakhi.
Oye Hoye – Harbhajan Mann
Harbhajan Mann is one of Punjab’s most beloved folk and devotional singers, and “Oye Hoye” is one of his most recognised and widely celebrated tracks — a song that captures the infectious, carefree spirit of Punjabi celebration that makes Vaisakhi so special. Released in 1999, the song helped establish Harbhajan Mann as a household name across Punjab and the global Punjabi diaspora, with its warm melody and relatable, joyful lyrics earning it a permanent place on Punjabi festival playlists. His gentle yet expressive vocal style carries the cultural warmth of Punjab in every note, and “Oye Hoye” remains widely available and loved on YouTube, beloved by Punjabi communities around the world.
Excuses – AP Dhillon & Gurinder Gill
“Excuses” by AP Dhillon and Gurinder Gill is a moody, atmospheric Punjabi R&B track that became one of the most streamed South Asian songs globally upon its release in 2020, showcasing a completely different but equally compelling side of contemporary Punjabi music. AP Dhillon’s smooth, almost whispering vocal style over a low-key trap-infused beat demonstrated that Punjabi music could hold its own in the global R&B and alternative pop conversation. While it may not be a traditional bhangra number, its immense popularity — with hundreds of millions of streams and YouTube views — means it belongs on any comprehensive Vaisakhi playlist that reflects the full range of modern Punjabi musical identity.
Born to Shine – Diljit Dosanjh
“Born to Shine” is one of Diljit Dosanjh’s most uplifting and anthemic tracks, a song that brims with the kind of confidence and cultural pride that makes Vaisakhi celebrations feel like the world-defining events they truly are for Punjabi communities globally. Diljit performed the track on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in June 2024, making history as one of the very few Punjabi artists to bring the language and the culture to that iconic stage. With its optimistic, high-energy production and Diljit’s commanding vocal presence, “Born to Shine” is the perfect closing anthem for any Vaisakhi playlist — a declaration that Punjabi music and culture are not just surviving but flourishing on the world stage. You can explore more trending songs across genres right here on GlobalMusicVibe to keep your festival playlists fresh and exciting.
How to Get the Best Vaisakhi Listening Experience
A great playlist is only as powerful as the equipment you use to listen to it. Whether you are dancing in your living room, hosting an outdoor Vaisakhi celebration, or driving to the parade, the right audio gear makes a significant difference. If you want to compare the best earbuds for taking your Punjabi music on the go, check out our detailed earbuds comparison guide to find the perfect pair for deep bass and crystal-clear dhol hits. For home listening, you can also explore our thorough headphones comparison tool to find a pair that brings out every layer of the tumbi riffs, dhol drops, and soulful vocals that make these songs so powerful.
Why Vaisakhi Music Matters Beyond the Festival
The songs on this list are not simply party tracks — they carry centuries of Punjabi cultural memory, agricultural tradition, and community spirit. Vaisakhi music has historically served as a vehicle for social commentary, devotional expression, spiritual reflection, and pure communal joy, weaving together the diverse threads of Punjabi Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim communities in celebration of the land and the season. The fact that these songs continue to be discovered, streamed, and loved by millions of people worldwide — from diaspora communities in Canada and the UK to new listeners in Southeast Asia and Latin America — speaks to their universality. The genre has also given rise to some of the most exciting global music careers of the current era, with artists like Diljit Dosanjh, Karan Aujla, and AP Dhillon taking Punjabi music to audiences that could not have been imagined even a decade ago.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of music is typically played at Vaisakhi?
Vaisakhi celebrations are traditionally accompanied by bhangra and giddha — the energetic folk dances and songs of Punjab. Traditional bhangra music features the dhol drum, the tumbi (a plucked string instrument), and boliyan (short call-and-response couplets). Over time, Punjabi pop, Bollywood songs with Punjabi themes, and contemporary Punjabi hip-hop and R&B have all become part of modern Vaisakhi playlists, reflecting the evolution of the culture while honouring its roots.
Who are the most iconic Vaisakhi and bhangra artists?
Some of the most iconic names in Vaisakhi and bhangra music include Daler Mehndi, Malkit Singh, Gurdas Maan, Hans Raj Hans, and Harbhajan Mann from the classic and folk tradition. In the contemporary scene, Diljit Dosanjh, AP Dhillon, Karan Aujla, and Guru Randhawa have become global ambassadors for Punjabi music, bringing the sound to audiences far beyond Punjab and the South Asian diaspora.
Are these songs available on YouTube?
Yes — every song on this list is available on YouTube, either through official artist channels, verified music label channels like T-Series, Speed Records, or White Hill Music, or through long-standing uploads that have accumulated millions of views. YouTube remains one of the primary ways that Punjabi music reaches global audiences, and many of these tracks have racked up hundreds of millions of views, reflecting the enormous appetite for Punjabi festival music around the world.
What is the difference between Vaisakhi and Baisakhi?
Vaisakhi and Baisakhi refer to the same festival — the spelling simply varies between English transliterations of the Punjabi and Hindi words. The festival falls on April 13 or 14 each year and marks both the Punjabi New Year and the beginning of the harvest season. For the Sikh community, it also commemorates the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699, giving it an additional layer of profound spiritual and historical significance beyond its agricultural origins.
Can I play Vaisakhi songs at other Punjabi celebrations?
Absolutely. Many of the songs on this list are so deeply rooted in Punjabi culture and celebration that they work equally well at weddings, Lohri celebrations, Diwali parties, New Year events, and any gathering where Punjabi music is welcome. Tracks like “Balle Balle,” “Gur Nalo Ishq Mitha,” and “Tunak Tunak Tun” are essentially all-purpose Punjabi party anthems that transcend any single occasion, while newer tracks like “Tauba Tauba” and “Born to Shine” bring fresh energy to any celebration playlist.