Sikhs Celebrate Vasaikhi

April 9, 2009

Author: Ken Herar

Source: Abbotsford News

http://www.bclocalnews.com/fraser_valley/abbynews/news/42772767.html

This week, Sikh communities throughout Canada and the world are celebrating Vasaikhi.

This annual celebration marks the birth of Khalsa (the Sikh religion), and the beginning of the harvest season in Punjab.

On April 14, 1699, the 10th Sikh Guru or prophet of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh, declared that all Sikhs should outwardly manifest the values of equality, love and justice, and wear five distinct articles of faith.

The Sikh religion is the world’s fifth largest faith tradition, which represents the majority of the South Asian population here in the Lower Mainland.

Vasaikhi is not just celebrated by members of the Sikh community – it has grown to become a community event and a way in which to build an inclusive, diverse community.