Cincinnati, Ohio (September 1, 2024): In a heartwarming display of unity and cultural diversity, Sikhs from Cincinnati and nearby city of Dayton participated in the “Cincinnati Festival of Faiths.” This annual event organized by “EquaSion” celebrates the rich tapestry of faith traditions within our community. This year’s festival featured over 30 faith organizations representing 13 world religions.
Multi-Faith Prayer and Sikh Teachings
The festival began with a multi-faith prayer service. Aasees Kaur, the wife of late Jaipal Singh (one of the festival’s founding members) shared the core foundational teachings of the Sikh faith. She quoted from the Guru Granth Sahib, “Naa ko bairee nahee bigaana sagal sa(n)g ham kau ban aaiee” which means “I do not see any enemy, I do not see any opponent, I have love for everyone.’ Kaur emphasized this message of universal love and acceptance.
Gyani Harpal Singh Ji, the Head Granthi from the historic Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib in Punjab, India also attended the event. He expressed his appreciation for the Sikh community, saying, “I salute their spirit as they strive to bring their national presence and identity on the global stage. Through their work, they uplift the name of the community, may Guru Sahib ji bless them.”
Shabad Kirtan and Meditation Session
Bhai Bikramjit Singh, Bhai Charanbir Singh Rababi and Bhai Prabhjot Singh Jatha sang the Shabad Kirtan "sabhae jeea samaal apni apanee mihar kar" along with the Sikh Sangat. During the meditation session, Bibi Meher Kaur, from the Sikh community, sang the ‘Mool Mantra’ and meditated ‘Waheguru’ using the Dilruba.
Exhibition and Turban-Tying Demonstrations
The Sikh booth was one of the many exhibits from faith-based organizations across Cincinnati. Visitors had the opportunity to learn about Sikh beliefs, practices and values. The Sikh exhibition table included books, brochures and Kakkars (5K’s). Booklets with information about Sikhs were distributed to visiting guests.
Community members also organized turban-tying sessions to teach about the profound significance of the Sikh turban, known as the “dastaar.” Sikh volunteers patiently guided visitors through the process of tying a turban, emphasizing its symbolism of equality, humility and commitment to Sikh values. Visitors including children and adults were seen taking pictures and proudly walking around with the turbans tied on their heads.
Langar: A Tradition of Service and Equality
Every year, Sikh community members prepare and serve Langar (community kitchen food) at the event. The langar, a communal kitchen present in Sikh gurdwaras worldwide, epitomizes the principles of selfless service, equality and community. Sikhs extended this tradition to the Festival of Faiths, serving the vegetarian food to all present.
Mayor After Purewal’s Remarks
Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Purewal praised the Sikh community’s efforts saying, “People of all faiths have come together here to celebrate peace and compassion. I am proud of my Sikh heritage and the practice of Langar, which embodies the Sikh belief that everyone is equal in the eyes of God. This tradition, seen in Gurdwara worldwide, where food is prepared and served to all, reflects our commitment to equality and unity. I am proud of the Sikh community and this interfaith tradition in Cincinnati.”
