In proportion to its overall population, Canada has one of the largest Sikh populations in the world with over 500,000 Sikhs living there. Since the end of the 19th century, Sikhs began to immigrate from India to Canada. Canada's diversity is shaped by the achievements of members of this community in a variety of fields. Sikh Heritage Month is an opportunity to reflect on the significant role the Sikh community plays in helping build a stronger, more inclusive Canada.
The first Sikh Heritage Month in Canada was celebrated in Ontario in 2013, followed by British Columbia in 2017. For the past few years, states and provinces across the United States have observed April as Sikh Awareness Month. The British Parliament followed suit. It has been the result of resolutions and early-day motions in all of these places. It is an Act of Parliament in Canada that allows Sikhs to partake in federal support to enhance Sikh awareness and celebrate the month with greater passion and fervour.
The Canadian Parliament passed the Sikh Heritage Month Act, which designates April as Sikh Heritage Month across Canada for all time, allowing them to raise Sikh awareness and organise Vaisakhi celebrations in a more grandiose manner.
After nearly eighteen months of legislative tussle, Sukhminder Singh Dhaliwal, moved the Bill c-376, which sought to designate April as Sikh Heritage Month, as a private member's bill on October 19, 2017, and it was approved by the royal assent on April 30, 2019, making it a law.
The House of Commons voted on the bill on November 7, 2018, and it was approved by a unanimous vote on April 11, 2019, in the Senate. By recognising the Sikh community and appreciating the need to create bridges across religions and cultures, Canada became the first nation in the world to declare April as Sikh Heritage Month as an act of Parliament.
Sikh Heritage Month celebrates the rich arts, culture, and heritage of Sikhs in Canada. Moreover, it recognizes the many contributions made by the Sikh community to Canada's social, economic, political, and cultural life.
For the Sikh community, April is an important month. Sikhs in Canada and other countries celebrate Vaisakhi this month to commemorate the founding of the Khalsa and the Sikh articles of faith. Vaisakhi, also known as Khalsa Day, is widely observed by Sikhs in Canada. The celebrations begin with a visit to the Gurdwara, a place of worship for Sikhs. There is a celebration after religious services end. The Sikh community usually wears colourful clothing and participates in parades and other festivities.
The Sikhs and Gurdwaras Council organizes parades called Nagar Kirtan. Every year, thousands of participants and spectators attend this parade, which is the largest parade attended by community members. This rich cultural event is also open to participants from other ethnicities and cultures.
The Sikh community in Canada is one of the largest non-Christian religious groups and the country's largest ethnic group of South Asian descent. The majority of Sikhs live in Asia, and approximately 2.6% live in North America.
It cannot be forgotten that the followers of the Sikh faith followers have endured intolerance and prejudice. Due to unjust labour regulations, these problems essentially made Sikhs second-class citizens at times. Many Canadians are familiar with the horrifying Komagata Maru episode in 1914 when a chartered ship of Sikhs came to Vancouver in pursuit of a better life. However, in the past, immigrants from India were barred from entering Canada, and new newcomers were denied entry due to discriminatory policies. The incident had a role in altering such customs so that Sikhs were recognised as equal members of Canadian society.
Sikhs got the right to vote in federal elections by 1947. They feel that the right to vote is not just a right, but also an integral aspect of citizenship. In several incidents, Sikhs in Canada have faced hate and discrimination, but they have always come out shining brightly living by the core principles of generosity, equality, openness, and compassion.
The first Sikh Heritage Month in Canada was celebrated in Ontario in 2013, followed by British Columbia in 2017. For the past few years, states and provinces across the United States have observed April as Sikh Awareness Month. The British Parliament followed suit. It has been the result of resolutions and early-day motions in all of these places. It is an Act of Parliament in Canada that allows Sikhs to partake in federal support to enhance Sikh awareness and celebrate the month with greater passion and fervour.
It is by sheer labour and diligence, the Sikhs have virtually made Canada their second motherland. Sikh Heritage Month serves as an opportunity to spread the illustrious tales of the Sikh people's tenacity and resilience, heritage, history and culture. It is an opportunity to educate future generations and society at large about Sikh Canadians.