Sikhs Celebrate 'Vaisakhi' and 'Khalsa Sajna Diwas' Globally

Across Panjab and various global locations, the Sikh community celebrated Vaisakhi (harvest festival) and Khalsa Sajna Diwas (inauguration of the Khalsa) with large gatherings and interfaith goodwill. Thousands of Sikhs converged at Takht (Throne) Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda to mark the occasion. In Canada, Prime Minister Mark Carney and his wife Diana visited Gurdwara Sahib Ottawa and performed voluntary service in the Langar (community kitchen) Hall, and conveyed their greetings to Sikhs. However, the Canadian PM was criticised for pandering to the Sikhs and not publicly recognising Palm Sunday which fell on the same day. The British PM Keir Starmer also posted a heartfelt message. In London, hundreds of thousands of people participated in festivities, with an event in east London featuring music, food, and cultural exhibits. Glasgow also saw more than 700 people take part in a vibrant procession that toured the city’s Southside, West End. Celebrations in Southall were briefly marred by a fire outbreak at a Nagar Kirtan, injuring at least four volunteers. Despite these challenges, the ethos of Seva (selfless service) and solidarity remains prominent worldwide, with many continuing to extend assistance and share goodwill during Vaisakhi. However, it must be noted that in all these celebrations the Sikhs are missing the recognition of the sovereignty of the Khalsa Panth (Sikh Collective) as the Guru. Meanwhile, for the first time in over half a century, Pakistan issued over 6.5K visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims travelling between 10-19 Apr to observe Vaisakhi at revered sites such as Gurdwaras Panja, Nankana, and Kartarpur Sahibs. The Nankana Sahib district administration declared a five-day holiday in all its educational institutions to facilitate the accommodation of all the pilgrims. The festival is being celebrated as a symbol of spiritual renewal and communal unity. Adding to the spirit of religious exchange, India granted visas to 188 Pakistani pilgrims for the Urs (death anniversary) of Hazrat Amir Khusro in New Delhi, displaying a parallel effort at fostering cross-border faith-based journeys.