April brings a special occasion – Sikh Heritage Month in British Columbia. Since 2017, April has been marked as Sikh Heritage Month in BC to honour the invaluable contributions Sikhs have made to our province over the last century. Indeed it is a time when communities unite to celebrate the contributions of Sikh Canadians to our province’s cultural, social, and economic landscape.
Despite being met with discrimination and racism, they have built flourishing communities. Sikhs have contributed to the growth of our province and established cultural landmarks, like North America’s first gurdwara.
Roots and Resilience: A Journey Through Time
Sikhism’s roots in British Columbia run deep, spanning over a century. Pioneers arrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, seeking better opportunities. Undoubtedly, despite facing challenges like the Komagata Maru incident and discriminatory policies, Sikhs persisted, establishing themselves and future generations in Canadian society.
Unity in Diversity: Festivities and Events
Sikh Heritage Month sees a myriad of events across British Columbia. Colourful parades, traditional music performances, and educational seminars bring people of all backgrounds together, fostering understanding and celebration. Further, you can find more on these events on the Sikh Heritage BC website:
- Live at Lunch: Negotiating Criminality – The Story of Mewa Singh – April 17 – Mewa Singh was executed in BC in 1915 for the assassination of Immigration Inspector William C. Hopkinson. This presentation examines Mewa Singh’s story and the wider context of the time.
- Himmat Play – April 18 – Himmat is a story that inspires you to care. This humorous and heartwarming narrative in Punjabi and English delves into the world of a father and daughter born generations and miles apart.
- Gatka Workshop – April 24 – An interactive workshop in which participants gain introductory knowledge and training on Gatka practices.
- Vaisakhi Jorh Mela – April 27 – A celebration of Vaisakhi where the broader community is invited. There will be a mini Nagar keertan with a palki Sahib around Khalsa School’s track, food stalls, games, gatka, arts and crafts and an outside Darbar.
Highlighting Tradition: The Nagar Kirtan Procession
A highlight of the month is the Nagar Kirtan, a religious procession in cities like Surrey and Victoria. Specifically, thousands join in hymns, martial arts displays, and joyous celebrations, reflecting the vibrant Sikh culture.
- Surrey Nagar Kirtan – April 20 – The Surrey Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade, the largest in the world, will return to the streets of Surrey, BC.
- Victoria Nagar Kirtan – April 28 – Join this Khalsa Day Celebration in Victoria, BC.
Looking Ahead: Unity and Optimism
Sikh Heritage Month is not just about the past; it’s about envisioning a brighter future. Therefore, by embracing diversity, fostering dialogue, and standing in solidarity, we can build a stronger, more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Celebrating Diversity, Building Community
Sikh Heritage Month in British Columbia is a time to honour legacy, celebrate diversity, and embrace unity. It’s a celebration of resilience, culture, and the enduring spirit of community that enriches us all. You can learn more about Sikh Heritage through the many books and resources at your local library. The Vancouver Public Library has a curated list here, and the Surrey Libraries have one here.