Aussie Sikhs showcase Sikh culture

Federation Square became a beacon of Sikh culture as it celebrated Vaisakhi with thousands of colourful turbans on Saturday (28 April 2018).

The event, coordinated by Victorian Sikh Gurduaras Council (VSGC) and Khalsa Education Society in association with more than 35 Sikh and Australian organisations, represented a showcase of Sikh culture and heritage, according to a statement from the organising team emailed to Asia Samachar.

The event was opened with an Ardas (Sikh prayer) by the Sri Dasmesh Bagpipe Band followed by several marching tunes.

Victoria premier Daniel Andrews was the guest of honnor at the event in Melbourne’s central hub, which boasted stalls highlighting Sikh culture.

Other guests who graced the event included Multicultural Affairs shadow minister Inga Peulich, Victoria Police deputy commissioner Andrew Crisp, Elizabeth Robertson from Dept of Home Affairs and Commander Guy McCrorie from Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB). Country Fire Authority (CFA) and MFB also held an information stall at the event to educate community about fire safety and smoke-alarms.

VSGC president Harshminder Singh welcomed the guests and audience in attendance.

A choir of schoolchildren from Bhai Gurdas Punjabi School Craigieburn, Baba Fateh Singh Academy Keysborough and SWEC Lynbrook performed during the celebrations. There were also performances by the Gurmat Sangeet Academy Blackburn, Bhai Dya Singh Music Group, Gatka performance by Damdami Taksal Ranjit Akhara, Theatrical play “Satgur mera bakhshanhar” by AMTA, Kavishri by Dal Baba Bidhi Chand Khalsa Shaouni Plumpton.

Various interfaith groups also attended the event and shared their Vaisakhi blessings with Sikh Community.

The traditional Sikh practice of langar – serving of free vegetarian food – was being carried out at the event. An exhibition to display the contribution of Sikh ANZACs was also held at the event.

Project coordinator Gurinder Kaur thanked the Federation Square management, Victorian Multicultural Commission and all supporting organisations and media for their contribution and hoped for the event to continue and bigger every year.