MELBOURNE – Federation Square became a beacon of Sikh culture as it celebrated Vaisakhi with thousands of colourful turbans this Saturday on 28th April 2018.
The event, coordinated by Victorian Sikh Gurduaras Council & Khalsa Education Society in association with more than 35 Sikh & Australian organisations represented a showcase of Sikh culture and heritage.
The event was opened with Ardas (Sikh prayer) by the Sri Dasmesh Bagpipe Band followed by several marching tunes.
The Premier of Victoria, Hon Daniel Andrews was the guest of honor at the event in Melbourne’s central hub, which boasted stalls highlighting Sikh culture. Hon. Inga Peulich, Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs also attended the event and shared Vaisakhi wishes with the Sikh community.
Other guests who graced the event included Andrew Crisp, Deputy Commissioner of Victoria Police, 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.
Representatives of various Gurdwaras were also present at the event to celebrate this occasion with Sikhs and other wider communities.
VSGC President S. Harshminder Singh welcomed the guests and audience in attendance with a very warming speech.
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. A kids activities stall was also available at the event to keep kids entertained and occupied.
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.