It’s that time of year again – spring has sprung, the grass is green, the sun is out. It’s a time when many cultures celebrate renewal and rebirth. It’s also a time that many communities are marking the beginning of a new season and a new year.
April 13 will be a day marked all around the world for Vaisakhi. Vaisakhi is the Sikhs’ New Year, and traditionally recognized as the new harvest season in Punjab, India. According to the Nanakshahi calendar, it falls on the first day of the Vaisakh month, which is April in the Gregorian calendar.
Religiously, it is a significant holiday for the Sikhs as it celebrates the establishment of the faith by the 10th Prophet-Guru, Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. The foundations of the faith were laid out, including the principles of gender equality, the elimination of caste discrimination, and the physical identity of the Sikhs such as the carrying of the kirpan (small sword), kara (iron bracelet), and keeping of the hair. Those Sikhs who become baptized and accept all the teachings of the Guru are then referred to as the Khalsa – a community that radiates glory, justice and love.
Sikhs have been in Canada for over 100 years and their commitment to this country is shown through their contribution to society. After the initial fear and discrimination against them, you can now see Sikhs in almost every walk of life, in almost every city across Canada.
I practice my faith as best I can in a city where my local Gurduara is not accessible by public transportation (I don’t have a car) and seeing a fellow Sikh on the streets of downtown Ottawa is a delightful treat. But when it comes to Vaisakhi, and having the opportunity to take part in the community festivities, I’m all for it.
On the last Sunday of April, I make my annual pilgrimage to Toronto and participate in the massive parade starting from the CNE grounds and ending at Nathan Philip Square downtown. All around, you see men with orange turbans and women with orange scarves. You’re literally swimming in a sea of Sikhs with orange waves. It’s beautiful. It’s organized by all the southern Ontario Gurduaras and the number of observers (or participants?) can hit up to over 25,000.
I remember my childhood memories of Vaisakhi with great fondness. My family would visit the Gurduara early in the morning and I would feel such bliss and peace while listening to the sacred hymns from our holy book. Then we would walk in the parade and enjoy all sorts of sweets and treats during the route. Later we would get together with family and friends and I remember the fun, happiness and joy.
Vaisakhi is a reminder to all of us to reflect on the Guru’s vision of personal and community development, revive the spirit, and respond to the critical issues and challenges all around us. Vaisakhi is a time to reconnect with the roots.
Happy Vaisakhi!
Author:Rupinder Kaur
