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Sikh Heritage Month

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Sikh Heritage Month
Observed byCanada
SignificanceCelebration of Sikh arts, culture and heritage of the Canadian Sikh community
Begins1 April
Ends30 April
DateApril (Canada)
FrequencyAnnual
Started byGovernment of Canada

Sikh Heritage Month is an annually observed commemorative month in Canada. It is the celebration of Sikh arts, culture and heritage of the Canadian Sikh community. Sikh Heritage Month is celebrated in April in Canada, where it has received official recognition from the Government of Canada.[1][2][3]

History

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In 2013, the Legislative Assembly of Ontario made history by proclaiming April as Sikh Heritage Month in Ontario through Bill 52 put forward by Jagmeet Singh, who was Member of Provincial Parliament at the time.[2] [4]This was the first global recognition that celebrates Sikh arts, culture and heritage.[5]

In October 2017, Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal then introduced Bill 376 for Sikh Heritage Month to be recognised on a country-wide level. [6] Dhaliwal received royal assent from Governor General Julie Payette in November 2018, which officially made Canada the first country to create Sikh Heritage Month. It also received approval in the Senate of Canada in April 2019.[7]

Events

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Nagar Kirtan

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Sikh Heritage Month plays an important role in supporting and the promotion of Canadian Nagar kirtan, which is a religious procession that is usually held in April, coinciding with Vaisakhi. This procession also highlights Canadian Sikh culture, attracting large community participation particularly in Surrey, British Columbia.[8]

Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan Sikh Parade in Edmonton, Alberta

Museums and exhibitions

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In 2023, ‘Treasure of Sikh Heritage’ exhibit was displayed at the city hall in Surrey, British Columbia.[9]

During Sikh Heritage Month in April 2024, a free exhibit on Sikh heritage was displayed at Northern College, Ontario, Timmins Public Library and the Timmins Museum. [10] [11]

Former Conservative Leader and MP Andrew Scheer at the Sikh Heritage Museum (2018)

In 2024, Sikh Heritage Month in Ontario celebrated the successful launch of the "1984 Path of the Warrior Saints" exhibition drawing over 500 visitors to the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives. This was co-curated by poet and author, Rupi Kaur.[12]

Charitable donations

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In honour of Sikh Heritage Month, charity and non-profit Khalsa Aid organized a food drive, aiming to collect 200,000 meals, with 100,000 meals dedicated to food banks in the Greater Toronto Area. The initiative is inspired by Sikh principles of Seva (selfless service), supported local food banks facing rising demand amidst growing homelessness and food insecurity.[13]

Alcohol and drug free awareness campaign

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In 2024, the Drug Awareness Society of Toronto (DAST) launched an alcohol-free challenge and a substance abuse awareness campaign during Sikh Heritage Month. The initiative, focusing on the Punjabi-Canadian community in Brampton and surrounding areas, aimed to educate and empower youth and parents about the dangers of alcohol and drug use. It aims to encourage healthier choices through seminars and workshops in both Gurdwaras and schools.[14]

Recognition

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Alongside the recognition by the Government of Canada, other provinces and towns have also marked recognition of Sikh Heritage Month in Canada.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Sikh Heritage Month Act". Government of Canada.
  2. ^ a b Singh, Sarbmeet (11 April 2023). "[Report] April is Sikh Heritage Month in Canada". Radio Canada (CBC).
  3. ^ "Sikh Heritage Month celebrations kick off in B.C." CBC.
  4. ^ "Brampton MPP's bill passes to create Sikh Heritage Month". Brampton Guardian. 11 December 2013.
  5. ^ "About: Sikh Heritage Month". Sikh Heritage Month.
  6. ^ Smith, Charlie (19 April 2019). "Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal releases video celebrating history of Canadian Sikhs and proclamation of Sikh Heritage Month". Straight. Narrated by broadcaster Kuljeet Kaila, it includes a clip of Dhaliwal speaking about his private member's Bill C-376, which designates April as Sikh Heritage Month.
  7. ^ Rana, Yudhvir (4 May 2019). "Canada Becomes First Country to Recognise Sikh Heritage Month". Times of India.
  8. ^ "Unveiling the festivity of the Sikh Nagar Kirtan in Surrey". The Peak. 30 May 2024.
  9. ^ Zillich, Tom (5 April 2023). "'Treasure of Sikh Heritage' exhibit in Surrey and April's other Sikh Heritage Month celebrations". Peach Arch News.
  10. ^ Stoffman, Nicole (3 April 2024). "Free 'Sikh Heritage Timmins' exhibit on display in April". The Daily Press.
  11. ^ Rabski-McColl, Amanda (15 April 2024). "Sikh heritage will be on display at museum until end of April". The Daily Press.
  12. ^ ""1984 Path of the Warrior Saints" Opens to Acclaim at PAMA". Business Wire. 15 April 2024.
  13. ^ Bunga, Saloni (6 April 2024). "Brampton non-profit marks Sikh Heritage Month with food drive". CBC.
  14. ^ Ahmad, Hafsa (27 March 2024). "Celebration of Sikh Heritage Month will include alcohol free challenge & substance abuse awareness campaign". The Pointer.
  15. ^ Eeuwes, Nick (15 April 2024). "April Is Sikh Heritage Month". FM101 Orangeville.
  16. ^ Bhattacharyya, Anirudh (14 April 2024). "Canada: Tens of thousands take part in historic Vancouver Vaisakhi Parade". The Hindustan Times.
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