Goderich church play host to annual Vaisakhi celebration

More than 170 people came together in Goderich on Sunday, April 13 to celebrate Vaisakhi, marking the town’s first-ever public event recognizing the important festival observed by Sikh communities around the world.

 

Held in the basement of Lakeshore United Church, the celebration offered a joyful and inclusive space for people of all backgrounds to experience the rich traditions of Vaisakhi. The event featured professional Bhangra dancers, an open dance party, delicious Indian food, henna art, and hands-on turban wrapping, giving attendees a deeper understanding of Sikh culture.
“It was incredible to see so many people come out and engage with this celebration,” said Anmol Kaur, one of the event organizers. “Vaisakhi is celebrated for two reasons. It’s the cultural celebration for the harvest season in northern India. It’s also a religious one that reminds us of the foundations of the origins of our faith - one based on equality, fighting against injustice, remaining pure in thought, and accepting everyone.”   

 

Kaur led a special presentation during the event and highlighted Vaisakhi’s spiritual and cultural importance. She also reflected on the migration of people from the Sikh faith from India.

 

“Many of the Sikhs who moved to Canada have agricultural backgrounds in India. They are challenged in India, as they have unreliable income from farming,  which has led to high rate of suicide among many Sikh farmers. Additionally, systematic discrimination has made it difficult for people of the Sikh faith to get good jobs after finishing college or university. Many parents now choose instead to invest the little money they have to send their children abroad for better livelihoods and more opportunities,” Kaur explained.

 

For many in attendance, the celebration was a chance to learn, connect, and celebrate together in the spirit of inclusion.
“This is what community is all about: coming together, learning from each other, and celebrating our diversity,” said Pam Somers, co-chair of the Huron County Immigration Partnership, who helped organize the event. “Efforts like this shine a vibrant light on how bright our culture is when everyone shares their culture and customs.”

 

Two owners of Circle K locations in Goderich, Clinton and Wingham are behind the event. They had already organized three successful cultural celebrations in Wingham: two Diwali events and a previous Vaisakhi celebration. 

 

“We wanted to share with more people who we are and help them better understand our beliefs. We were thrilled with how the community responded,” explained Gurpreet Singh, one of the organizers. 

 

The event also raised $700 in donated funds to help establish a local cricket pitch in Huron County, a future home for the newly-formed Wingham Falcons Cricket Club. The cricket team has been meeting weekly to practice for the past two years.

 

“The funds raised will help us find land where we can create a base to practice and play matches,” Singh explained.