Sikh Heritage Month is being celebrated with educational activities, community gatherings, and workshops all over the Greater Toronto Area.
The Government of Canada declared the month of April as Sikh Heritage Month in 2019.
Canada is home to the second largest population of Sikh people in the world.
Here are some events people can attend to learn more and appreciate the hard work the Sikh community has contributed to in Toronto.
The Rising Spirit
International poet and Brampton native Rupi Kaur is hosting an event that reflects on the 1984 mass killings of Punjabi Sikhs in India and those that are still affected by the tragedy today.
There will also be musical performances and a genocide survivor sharing their story.
The 90-minute show features national humanitarian organization Khalsa Aid CEO’s Ravi Singh.
The event will take place at 8 p.m. at The Rose Brampton this Friday, Apr 12.
Children’s Book Readings
Gurmeet Kaur will be reading from her Punjabi folktale books with themes of valiancy and dedication.
The author’s books are available for Peel District School Board libraries and teachers.
This free and family friendly event will take place from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) this weekend on Apr. 13.
Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada (SHMC)
The Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada (SHMC) has been alive for over a decade, educating anyone who enters its doors about the 200-year history between Sikhs and Canada. It hosts seminars and in-depth presentations about Sikh history throughout the year, like highlighting their military contributions.
SHMC is celebrating its 10th anniversary this Friday, Apr. 12 for its event Toshakhana, which means Treasure House in Punjabi and named after the Sikh king Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
The gala will take place at Pearson Convention Centre in Brampton at 7 p.m.
Baba Buddha Ji Gurdwara (Sikh Temple) Open House
This Hamilton gurdwara, a holy Sikh place of worship, is offering an open house for educators as well as interested members of the public who want a specific tour on learning about the Sikh religion.
It will be hosting open houses on Apr. 20, Apr. 27, and May 4 in the evenings.
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Nagar Kirtan (Khalsa Day) Parade
April 13 marks Vaisakhi, the foundation of Sikhism in 1699. For more than two decades, Toronto has been celebrating Vaisakhi with a huge parade for Nagar Kirtan, or Khalsa Day, in downtown.
Anyone from any background is welcome to walk in the parade and enjoy langar (a religious service that offers free food to anyone regardless of caste).
This year’s celebration will take place on Apr. 28 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Exhibition Place.
Check out this calendar for other Sikh Heritage month events not listed.
