PRIME Minister Justin Trudeau on Saturday issued the following statement on Vaisakhi:

“Today, Sikhs in Canada and around the world will come together to celebrate Vaisakhi, one of the holiest days of the Sikh calendar.

“Vaisakhi commemorates the creation of the Khalsa and is also a celebration of the spring harvest festival. It is a time of reflection, gratitude, and renewal, symbolizing unity and community. Today, Sikhs will gather at their local Gurdwaras, participate in vibrant and colourful parades known as Nagar Kirtans, and celebrate their rich diversity and heritage.

“As Canada marks its fifth annual celebration of Sikh Heritage Month this April, Vaisakhi offers another opportunity for all of us to recognize the invaluable and ongoing contributions that Canadians of Sikh faith bring our communities. This is especially evident in their countless acts of selfless service – or seva – which exemplify the values of generosity and compassion at the heart of their faith and encourage us to be better.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish everyone celebrating today a happy and blessed Vaisakhi.

“Vaisakhi diyan lakh lakh vadhaiyan.”

PREMIER David Eby said: “Sikhs in British Columbia will join those around the world today in celebrating Vaisakhi.

“One of the holiest days in the Sikh calendar, Vaisakhi commemorates the creation of the order of the Khalsa by the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, more than three centuries ago. The order of the Khalsa gave the Sikh community a unique identity and bestowed on it a code of conduct that every Sikh is expected to follow.

“Vaisakhi is a time for family and friends to gather in worship and celebration. People will pray at gurdwaras, participate in parades and attend other happy gatherings.

“This day is also a time to recognize and honour the values at the heart of Sikhism, such as equality, community and Seva – selfless service to others.

“April is also Sikh heritage month, a chance to recount the many contributions the Sikh community in B.C. – the largest outside of India – has made to building our province. We have all benefited.

“Vaisakhi is also celebrated in other parts of India as a harvest festival. People visit temples, gather for feasts and herald the arrival of spring.

“I wish everyone celebrating a joyous Vaisakhi.

“Vaisakhi Diyan Lakh Lakh Vadhaiyan!”

CONSERVATIVE Leader Pierre Poilievre said: “Every year, on Vaisakhi, Sikhs around the world celebrate the establishment of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Reflecting on the rich tapestry of their history, they will retell the story of the Five Beloved Ones, whose sacrifice and devotion to the Sikh faith secured the five sacred symbols that would guide a new order of Sikhs.

“Today, as parades and Nagar kirtans make their way through neighbourhoods across the country, this powerful history is put on full display. With the Panj Pyare standing in full formation at the front, thousands of Sikhs will follow in a symbolic display of their loyalty and gratitude for the inheritance their ancestors secured over 300 years ago.

“In the generations that have followed, Sikhs have dutifully carried forward the legacy of the Five Beloved Ones, working to emulate their inspiring obedience and faithfulness. Guided by God’s instruction, they continue to wear the Five Ks and live in selfless service to others. Consistently, they have poured back into their communities through Langars and other charitable causes, bearing a message of hope and strength for the future.

“As Canadians, we are truly blessed to live alongside so many Sikhs who make our country a better place, and who live out the spirit of Vaisakhi every day through their unequalled contributions to our common home.

“On behalf of Canada’s Common Sense Conservatives, Happy Vaisakhi to all Sikhs celebrating. Vaisakhi diyan lakh lakh vadhaiyan!”

FEDERAL NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said: “On behalf of all New Democrats, I’d like to wish all those celebrating, a happy Vaisakhi.

“For Sikhs in Canada and around the world, Vaisakhi marks the creation of the Khalsa, which translates to the sovereign. A tradition that began in the 17th century, the Khalsa continues to be grounded in a belief that we are all one and that all people should live free of oppression, regardless of gender, background, sexuality, or identity.

“Over the next few weeks, Sikhs across Canada will celebrate Vaisakhi by marching in Khalsa Day parades and more importantly by doing sewa—selfless community service.

“During this Vaisakhi, let us embrace the ideas of equality, selflessness, and love for all of humanity.

“When we lift each other up, we all rise.

“Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!”