By Balwant Sanghera 

Vaisakhi has now become a very popular international celebration. It signifies the beginning of the harvesting season in the Punjab and creation of the Khalsa Panth in April, 1699. Creation (Sirjana) of the Khalsa was culmination of the teachings of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev ji. At the core of Guru Nanak’s philosophy was the emphasis on equality, universal brotherhood and stand against injustice. Creation of the Khalsa the Vaisakhi Day in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh ji gave Sikhsa unique and distinct identity. Over the years, Sikhs have made their community proud by providing selfless service to their fellow human beings. All along, the Sikh community has displayed countless examples of sacrifice, selflessservice, providingLangar (free food) and medicines to the needy, hosting vaccination clinics, rescuing victims of wild fires and floods etc.Recognizing the contribution of the Sikhs to BC and Canada, the British Columbia Government has declared April as the Sikh Heritage Month. Similar gestures are being consideredin many other jurisdictions. 

Efforts along these lines are under way in the United States to recognise April 14, as the National Sikh Day. Similar recognition has been given in many other countries. Organizations like Khalsa Aid and United Sikhs with their charitable work have greatly enhanced the image of the Sikh community. Almost in every major Canadian city Vaisakhi and Khalsa Day will be celebrated with great deal of enthusiasm. For example, here in Richmond, India Cultural Centre of Canada Gurdwara Nanak Niwas on Richmond’s Highway to Heaven will start the celebration with the beginning of Akhand Paath at 6 PM on Tuesday, April 12. On Wednesday, April 13, Nishan Sahib’s Chola will be changed at 5 PM. Akhand Paath’s Bhog will take place at 6 PM on Thursday, April 14. 

On April 14 (Thursday) after the Bhog, Keertanand Ardas, a number of prominent people /scholars will share with the congregation their thoughts about Vaisakhi, creation of the Khalsa and other historical facts. It will be an exciting evening. A delicious vegetarian Langar will be served in the Langar Hall downstairs. The Management Committee of India Cultural Centre of Canada Gurdwara Nanak Niwas, 8600 Number Five Road, Richmond cordially invites the public to this very special celebration of Vaisakhi and creation of the Khalsa Panth. Along with this celebration, the Gurdwara Management Committee has also launched the Ukraine Relief Fund. Amount thus collected will be passed on to a reputed non-profit registered organization to help the Ukrainian people.  For further information about the celebration and the Relief Fund, please feel free to phone the Gurdwara at 604-274-7479 or the undersigned at 604-836-8976. 

Balwant Sanghera is the General Secretary, Gurdwara Nanak Niwas, Richmond,B.C.