Premier Pillai shares Vaisakhi greetings during Sikh Heritage Month

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“April is Sikh Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the history, culture and contributions of Sikh communities in the Yukon and across Canada. The theme for this year’s Sikh Heritage Month is “anand”, meaning “peace” or “bliss”.

“Throughout April, each of us has an opportunity to think about how we are building communities where everyone can enjoy a state of anand. It is a time to celebrate our territory’s diversity by learning more about the many cultures that encompass what it means to be a Yukoner.

“Also in April, the Sikh holiday of Vaisakhi is observed on April 13. Vaisakhi commemorates the creation of the Khalsa – the community of baptised Sikhs – by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. Vaisakhi is a significant occasion for Sikhs worldwide, also symbolizing the spring harvest and the values of equality, community service and justice.

“Sikh Yukoners make valuable contributions across the territory. Their commitment to community and service reflects the values at the heart of Sikhism. Sikh people have a long history in the Yukon, with many moving first to Faro in the late 1960s and then later to Whitehorse in the early 1980s.

“This year, the Whitehorse Sikh Society hosted Vaisakhi celebrations on Sunday, April 13, at the Gurdwara Akaljot Sahib on the Alaska Highway. Everyone in the community was invited to join the celebrations and share in the community meal.

“To all Yukoners celebrating Vaisakhi, Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! I hope Vaisakhi and Sikh Heritage Month are filled with meaningful moments, shared with family, community and tradition.”