By: Surjit Singh Flora
Ottawa, Canada – The historical and cultural festival ‘Vaisakhi’ of Punjab, which occurs on April 13, was celebrated with great reverence and enthusiasm at the Parliament Hall on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, the capital of Canada, on Monday, April 8. Numerous Members of Parliament and Ministers from the Liberal Caucus attended the celebration, which enhanced it.
The Akhand Path of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji, which began last Saturday, April 6, was a delightful experience. Later, the Kirtani Jathe performed Manohar Kirtan of Gurbani. Sardarni Harjot Kaur Singh, a Trustee of the Sri Singh Sabha Corporation and the Chair of the “Sikhnet” International Khalsa Council Board, took the initiative in this. Surrey Centre, B.C. Member of Parliament Randeep Sarai shared his thoughts on Vaisakhi day. Representative for Mississauga, Malton Iqwinder Gahir, extended a warm welcome to all the parliament members and ministers in attendance. The credit for officially declaring the month of April as ‘Sikh Heritage Month’ goes to M.P. Sukh Dhaliwal, who successfully brought forward the motion. Anju Dhillon, Member of Parliament from Dorval, Quebec, translated his English speech into French.
Minister Kamal Khera introduced the distinguished Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan, who gave a speech at the Vaisakhi event. On this occasion, Member of Parliament Sonia Sidhu from Brampton South, Ruby Sahota from Brampton North, Maninder Sidhu from Brampton East, Bardish Chaggar from Waterloo, George Chahal from Calgary Skyview, Randeep Sarai from Surrey Centre, Iqwinder Gahir from Mississauga Malton, and Anju Dhillon from Dorval Quebec. Newton BC. Sukh Dhaliwal and the Honorable Minister of the Federal Economic Development Agency, Philomena Tasi, shared their perspectives on the significance of Vaisakhi Day.
The Ottawa Sikh Society expressed gratitude to the Federal Liberal Caucus for their remarkable commemoration of Vaisakhi. After the event concluded, a prayer was offered and Guru’s langar was served, bringing everyone together with a sense of deep devotion. Meanwhile, the Ottawa Sikh Society hosted a vibrant turban decorating event in the morning, attracting a great turnout of enthusiastic youth.
During her address in Parliament House, Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament from Brampton South, highlighted the ongoing celebrations of Vaisakhi and ‘Khalsa Day’ among Sikhs in Canada and around the globe. She said, “ Today, Sikhs from all across Canada have gathered at Parliament Hill to celebrate this sacred day. A couple of days ago, following the Akhand Path of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, there was a beautiful session of Gurbani Kirtan. The atmosphere was filled with reflections on the festival of Vaisakhi, and everyone gathered to partake in the Guru’s langar. She expresses heartfelt gratitude to all the members who attended this function.
Also, she added, “During Vaisakhi, Sikhs reflect on their Ishta, remarkable history, and cherished values, uniting to reaffirm the principles of equality and selfless service.” In April, we will be commemorating the fifth anniversary of ‘Sikh Heritage Month’. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the remarkable contributions of the Sikhs, who have played a vital role in shaping Canada’s history. By imparting the teachings of Guru Gobind Singh, who established the ‘Khalsa Panth’ on this auspicious day, he spreads awareness among people. On behalf of the residents of Brampton South, she also extends her warmest wishes to the people of Brampton and the world as they celebrate Vaisakhi and Khalsa Heritage Month.
During the evening gathering from 6 pm to 8 pm, Honorable Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the audience and extended his greetings and best wishes for Vaisakhi. According to him, Baisakhi is a significant festival for Sikhs, celebrated with immense passion and excitement. Nagar Kirtans are organized in various cities and towns, welcoming people from diverse communities to join in the festivities.
