BY MYA KAUR KOONER

Grade 9 student

HAPPY Vaisakhi everyone! Vaisakhi is the time of year where Sikhs all around the world come together to celebrate the creation of their religion.  I feel I am fortunate to be able to celebrate this joyous occasion in Vancouver and Surrey.

On April 13, 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Ji created the Khalsa.  He saw the inequality in how people were being treated and, long story short, he gathered people together to start a new chapter where everyone was to be treated equally.  Sikhs became known as those who defend the weak and innocent, if need be; they became warriors.  They help those in need and give back to the community.

Vaisakhi parades, which for Sikhs are known as ‘Nagar Kirtan,’ have been organized in Vancouver since 1979 and in Surrey since 1998.  In both Nagar Kirtans the main float in the parade carries the Sikh holy book called the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. During this family friendly event, you see vibrant floats, hear beautiful music and along the way, free mouth-watering snacks.  Sikhs welcome the public with open arms. Booths and tents are set-up along the parade routes where traditional Indian / Punjabi vegetarian foods and much more are distributed as their seva (volunteer service).

It was great to see such an amazing turnout in Vancouver and Surrey.  Both Nagar Kirtans were very well organized and planned out.  The Surrey Nagar Kirtan drew over 550,000 people. It’s truly amazing to see Sikhs from around the world coming together to celebrate the birth of Khalsa.  It felt as though every family along the parade route had set up a booth to do seva. Every family always has their way of celebrating Vaisakhi.

Since I was a little girl, my family has always taken me to the Gurdwara on Vaisakhi. On top of that, walking with the Nagar Kirtan always filled me with happiness.  It brings me great joy seeing everyone come together to celebrate.  It also has brought me closer to my culture in such a cheerful way. I can even say the same for all my friends and family, Vaisakhi is a time of year we all look forward to.

I am grateful that my local community is involved in sharing Sikh / Punjabi culture. Seeing non-Sikh / non-Punjabi people enjoying aspects of our culture makes me especially thankful on Vaisakhi for having this wonderful religion to share with the world.