April is ‘The Sikh Heritage Month‘ in North America and some other countries
By
Ransher Raj Singh, student, Sir Winston Churchill High School, Calgary (Canada)
Sikh Heritage Month is an annual celebration held in April to commemorate the rich cultural and historical legacy of the Sikhs. This observance aims to raise awareness of Sikh heritage and promote understanding of their faith. Sikhism, one of the world’s youngest religions, was founded by Guru Nanak Sahib (1469-1539 AD) in the 15th century in the Punjab region of South Asia. Sikhism is based on the principles of equality, justice, protection of human rights and the dignity of women, selfless service to the needy, and devotion to One Omnipresent God. These attributes and their love for nature are emphasized in their Holy Scripture, (Sri Guru Granth Sahib), their Eternal Teacher and Guide. The Sikh community is known for its disciplined living, and bravery, and has a separate identity, distinguished by their uncut hair and the turban.
The celebration of Sikh Heritage Month provides an opportunity for all to learn about the significant achievements of Sikhs in various fields, including entrepreneurship, agriculture, politics, arts, medicine, science, and technology. They have been pioneers in practicing Inter-Faith Dialogue, selfless service to humanity, and preservation of the ecosystem of the Earth. The day also serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by the Sikh community. During this month, various events are organized to celebrate Sikh culture and history. These include exhibitions, lectures, film screenings, concerts, and community gatherings. Educational institutions also hold workshops and presentations to educate students about Sikhism and its impact on society.
One of the highlights of this month is the celebration of Vaisakhi, a significant Sikh festival that commemorates the formation of the Khalsa, the Sikh brotherhood, on 1st day of the tropical month called Vaisakh in 1699. Vaisakhi is celebrated on April 14 every year and is marked by processions, prayers, and community feasts. On this day, the Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Sahib is celebrated all over the world with great devotion, fervor, and enthusiasm. Sikhs’ own Nanakshahi calendar, starts from the first day of the month of Vaisakh 1469. This is a Solar calendar synchronizing with the Western Gregorian calendar.
This day is celebrated as “Turban Day” in many countries to highlight the significance of the turban as the dignified crown of a Sikh. Sikhs, both men, and women, have been great warriors who courageously defended the principles of their Faith. They served as brave soldiers and distinguished Generals in the two World Wars. Sikh Heritage Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the challenges faced by the Sikh community worldwide. In recent years, Sikhs have been the target of hate crimes and discrimination due to their distinctive appearance and modern, progressive, rational, and non-traditional religious beliefs. It is crucial to use this month as a platform to address these issues. Through this month-long celebration, we can highlight the free humanitarian services rendered by Sikhs to all those in distress, irrespective of nationality, religion, and community. Let us use this opportunity to promote acceptance and understanding of different cultures and faiths and work towards a more inclusive and Peaceful World.
ਸਾਂਝੀ ਵਿਰਾਸਤ 