As the world work to slow the spread of COVID-19, several large Sikh events in Australia have been canceled or postponed.

The cancellations come after WHO declared the Coronavirus spread pandemic and the Australian Government updated the Federal policy on mass gatherings, saying non-essential events with 500 or more people should be canceled or postponed nationwide to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Below is a breakdown of major events across the country that have been canceled or postponed:

Australian Sikh Games Perth 2020 Cancelled

The ANSSACC Executive Committee and the Perth Organising Committee have announced via their official Facebook page that after assessing the potential impact of the global spread of COVID-19 on the Australian Sikh Games 2020, they have taken the difficult decision to cancel this year’s games. This decision has been taken after consultation with the relevant government health departments, Curtin University and other stakeholders.

It is with considerable regret and sadness that the decision has been made that the Australian Sikh Games 2020 will NOT PROCEED as planned from 10 to 12 April 2020. This decision has NOT been made lightly but based upon the following considerations:

ANSSACC has acknowledged that the Australian Sikh Games is a highly anticipated event on the Sikh community calendar and that vast amounts of effort, finances and coordination goes into preparing teams to attend the games.

Vaisakhi @ Federation Square 2020 Cancelled

Another major event held annually in Victoria to celebrate Vaisakhi at Federation square has been postponed untill further notice by Victorian Sikh Gurduaras Council (VSGC).

The VSGC announced on their Facebook page:

In view of the well-being and safety of our community, VSGC have decided to postpone the Vaisakhi Celebrations on 26 April 2020 at Federation Square until further notice .

Besides above, there are other major events which are still in discussions of cancellation including Annual Vaisakhi Akhand Kirtan Smagam which is scheduled to be held from April 8-13 at various Gurdwaras across Melbourne.