Sikh community marks Vaisakhi

CTV’s Spencer Turcotte learns about the significance of Vaisakhi as the Sikh community comes together for reflection, prayer and festivities.

Waterloo Region’s Sikh community is coming together to mark a special occasion with prayer, reflection and festivities.

Vaisakhi was celebrated on Tuesday, signifying the first day of the month of Vaisakh.

“Mostly Sikhs, they celebrate the creation or foundation of Khalsa. This was the order created by the tenth guru of Sikhs,” Manjot Singh, the Golden Triangle Sikh Association’s secretary, explained. “Which was Guru Gobind Singh Sahibzaade. So, he created Khalsa in order to give us a discrete identity and also at the same time the qualities that they wished to instill was standing up for equality, standing up for justice.”

Organizers say the event not only highlights their faith, but also opens their doors to the wider community.

According to the World Sikh Organization of Canada, the Khalsa are Sikhs who have accepted the Sikh initiation or “khande kee paahul” and have committed their lives to equality, compassion and service.

Faithful Sikhs gather in Gurdwaras and sometimes take part in colour parades to mark Vaisakhi.

The Golden Triangle Sikh Association welcomes anyone to take part in the ceremonies, regardless of their personal faith.

“Everybody is welcomed. Not just in the prayer area. We have open Langar, which is community service food,” Manjot Singh.

The cuisine is considered a highlight of the holiday.

“Langer is in any Gurdwara. It’s everywhere, 24/7,” Gurmeet Singh, Golden Triangle Sikh Association’s acting president, said. “Whichever time, whichever day you come, you can have food.”

A final prayer is scheduled to take place around 9 p.m. Tuesday.