[vaisakhi nagar kirtan]

There are many East Indian people in Canada and these are some pictures of an annual Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan (a Sikh parade).

Here is some info about the Sikh:

* Sikhism started in 1469 in Punjab, India.

* The first Guru was Guru Nanak Sahib.

* In 1708, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib proclaimed Siri Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh Holy Scriptures. It is a compilation of the original hymns containing the teachings of the Sikh Gurus.

* A Guru is someone who imparts spiritual enlightenment.

* There are three requirements a Sikh should do: meditate on the holy name of God, make a living through honest means and hard work, share earnings with others less fortunate.

* All males have the surname Singh, meaning lion for courage. All females have the surname of Kaur, meaning princess for dignity and equality. (I think that’s for the baptized members. I’m not sure.)

* The Khalsa (baptized Sikh) must have on their person five articles of faith at all times: uncut hair (Kesh), small wooden comb (Kangha), specially designed underwear (Kaccha), iron bracelet on right wrist (Kara), and a sword (Kirpan). It is also mandatory for a baptized male Sikh to cover his head with a Turban and a female Sikh with a Dupatta (long head-scarf).

* The Khalsa is viewed to be the holy army of the One Supreme Creator God.

* Saadh Sangat = Sikhk religious congregation.

Information taken from a pamphlet given to me at the parade. It is always good to know more about other cultures/religions!

I was chatting with a woman and her daughter who was five. I mentioned I was from Finland and the little girl asked me what language I speak. Then she said "I was born in Winnipeg (which is here in Canada) so I speak Punjabi. Priceless! :D