LIFESTYLES Vaisakhi:celebratingSikhidentity andcontributionsinCanada

RAJ SINGH BHANDALL

Contributing Writer

Sikhs from across the globe are gathering to celebrate the annual Vaisakhi festival, which commemorates the foundation of the Khalsa While many Canadians may be familiar with the Khalsa parades that mark the Vaisakhi festival, a deeper understanding of the significance and history of the holiday may be required. These parades showcase the Punj Pyaare, representing the first five Sikhs to join the Khalsa, leading the procession with a decorated float carrying the revered Sikh scripture Sri Guru Granth Sahib following close behind The Sikh community joins in, singing hymns, performing martial arts, and offering free food to all, regardless of their religious or cultural affiliation

Vaisakhi is an ancient harvest festival celebrated globally. It was on Vaisakhi in 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa order The Khalsa comprises Sikhs who have embraced the Sikh initiation or “khande kee paahul” and pledged to serve all, uphold equality, and demonstrate compassion Guru Gobind Singh Sahib introduced the Nash doctrine, which holds great significance for Sikhs every year as they celebrate the initiation of the Khalsa Panth Members of the Khalsa were required to pledge to the doctrine of Dharam-nash, Bharam-nash, Karam-nash, Kul-nash, and Kirt-nash, which entailed renouncing considerations of caste, religion, superstition, clan, or profession in their dealings with one another and the community This doctrine signifies an unwavering submission to Waheguru.

Through this, Sikhs attained a sovereign identity distinct from traditional society Vaisakhi Day in 1699 was pivotal when Guru Gobind Singh called on Sikhs to adopt the Sikh Articles of Faith These articles comprise the Kes – uncut hair; the Kangha – wooden comb; the Kara – an iron bracelet; the Kirpan – a sword; and the kacchera – breeches Sikhs publicly identified themselves as part of the Khalsa and committed to upholding its principles and values, demonstrating their devotion to the Guru and their readiness to serve

Vaisakhi is a significant occasion for Canadian Sikhs to celebrate their faith, reflect on their community’s contributions to Canada, and showcase their rich culture and traditions. Nagar Kirtans, a feature of Vaisakhi celebrations globally, allow Sikhs to share their values and promote interfaith harmony and understanding. Khalsa Day parades during Vaisakhi enable individuals of all backgrounds to witness the vibrancy of Sikh culture and faith, fostering a sense of solidarity and inclusivity The event also provides a time for introspection and renewal of commitment to Sikh values and engaging in community service Vaisakhi is an important occasion for Canadian Sikhs to celebrate their faith, culture, and values while promoting unity and fostering understanding among fellow Canadians sacredheartparish.ca

*The Surrey Nagar Kirtan will be held on April 22, starting at 12885 85th Avenue.

Do not be afraid

Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me. ’

(Matthew 28:10)

According to Matthew, when the two Mary’s went to prepare Jesus’ body for burial, they were met by the sight of an angel of the Lord, rolling away the stone which blocked the tomb

He told them not to be afraid. But as they ran from the tomb with joy, some fear remained. These two women had apparently not yet fully trusted in God’s word for them

Minister’s Minute

one, Jesus Christ himself, greeted them on their way out that same sinful humanity, not with a word of condemnation, but with a word of comfort: “do not be afraid.” What fears haunt your mind? What uncertainties lie on the horizon of your life? None of us know exactly where our lives are headed, or what is going to happen tomorrow.

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That would change when the resurrected

The very one who had been killed by a sinful humanity and raised by his Heavenly Father, came to members of

Gfl Delta Composting

So, hear this incredible news the incredibly good news of Easter: God raised Jesus from the dead, and because of that there really is nothing to fear God has forgiven your sin and promised you eternal life The tomb is empty, the Lord is alive, so, “Do not be afraid”

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