Sikh spirit celebrated

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This article was published 02/04/2023 (1058 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The sounds of prayer resonated through the rotunda of the Manitoba Legislative Building Saturday afternoon, announcing the beginning of the province’s fifth annual Sikh heritage month.

“Throughout this month, Manitobans will have the opportunity to take part in activities that celebrate the role the Sikh community has played in shaping our province’s civic, social, artistic and economic life,” Premier Heather Stefanson said, addressing a small crowd that gathered to kick off the celebrations.

“Manitoba’s diversity is not only a source of pride, but a source of innovation and growth.”

During the event guests treated themselves to samosas and chai tea before participating in an ardaas for chardi kalla. The term refers to a prayer honouring the Sikh spirit.

“Chardi kalla is the intersection of the concept of being in eternally high spirits, looking at the forecast with optimism and knowing that you will rise above adversity,” said Parminder Singh Gill, president of Sikh Heritage Manitoba.

Dharamveer Singh delivered the ardaas. The crowd bowed their heads and pressed their palms together in prayer as the religious leader’s voice echoed off the walls.

Moments before the prayer began, Mehmood Batla helped 14-year-old Guy Pavis secure his rumāl — a cloth kerchief that covers the head and signifies respect for the Sikh religion.

Gio Pavis, the boys father, said his family immigrated from Israel in 2015. They are not Sikh, but attended the event to show support for cultural diversity.

“This is the whole reason we came to Canada,” Gio said. “We’ve created so many friends in the Sikh community. They are great, they are welcoming and the food is amazing.”

Married couple Hira Toor and Taranjit Dhaliwal also stood in the crowd.

Dhaliwal was born and raised in Canada, while Toor immigrated with his family when he was 12-years-old.

Now in their late twenties, both said they were grateful for the annual heritage month.

“Growing up here, we never really got that recognition. So now, seeing our community represented… I am immensely proud,” Dhaliwal said.

Sikh Heritage Manitoba has impacted generations of Sikh people through its community year-round programming and fundraising events, Toor said.

“It’s a good way to preserve the (Sikh) culture, religion and traditions to carry it forward for kids growing up here in Canada,” he said.

“For our parents to see this as well, it’s a huge achievement,” Dhaliwal added.

Tory MLA Obby Khan and Wab Kinew, NDP leader of Manitoba’s official opposition, spoke at the event. Both credited the Sikh community for their cultural contributions to Manitoba.

Dougald Lamont, leader of the Manitoba Liberals, was unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts with the party’s annual general meeting.

According to the 2021 Census, 35,470 people practise the Sikh religion in Manitoba. The number amounts to roughly 2.6 per cent of the province’s population

April was officially recognized by provincial law as Sikh Heritage Month with the passing of Bill-228 in 2019. Kinew tabled the bill, which saw support from both the Liberal and Progressive Conservative parties of Manitoba.

The Government of Canada passed its own Sikh Heritage Month Act the same month, nationally recognizing the cultural celebration.

Throughout April, Sikh Heritage Manitoba will offer a variety of cultural programming, including a month-long food drive in support of the Harvest Manitoba Food Bank.

The fundraiser aims to fill a 5-tonne truck with non-perishable food items before the end of the month. Donations are accepted at a variety of Sikh locations throughout the city.

The organization will host an educational seminar on April 15 at the Louis Riel Library (1168 Dakota St.). Attendees will experience Sikh history, music and art.

A final seminar is slated for April 29 at the University of Manitoba. It will address Sikh women and their participation in politics.

Both events are free to the public.

tyler.searle@freepress.mb.ca