Sikhism

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of a group of unidentified individuals, known as gursikhs, holding the nishan sahib flag at the Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan which took place in Vancouver, British Columbia (B.C.). The Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan is an annual event which takes place in Vancouver and is organized by the Khalsa Diwan Society of Vancouver.

Gursikhs are Sikhs devoted to the Guru and the teachings of Sikhi. The Nishan Sahib is a Sikh holy triangular flag made of cotton or silk cloth, with a tassel at its end. The word, Nishan means symbol, and the flag is hoisted on a tall flagpole, outside most Gurdwaras (temples). The flagpole itself is covered with fabric, and ends with a two-edged dagger (khanda) on top. The emblem on the flag, which depicts a double-edged sword called a khanda (☬) in the centre, a chakkar which is circular, and flanked by two single-edged swords, or kirpans. A traditional symbol of the Khalsa Panth, the Nishan Sahib can be seen from far away, signifying the presence of Khalsa in the neighbourhood.

Vaisakhi is one of the most important festivals in Sikhi, marking the formation of the Khalsa in 1699 by the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It is a time of renewal, gratitude, and unity, celebrated with processions, prayers, and acts of service. Beyond its significance in Sikh history, Vaisakhi is also a harvest festival in Punjab, observed with joy and thanksgiving. Additionally, Vaisakhi holds special significance for Hindus, as it marks the beginning of the solar new year and is celebrated in various regions of India under different names, such as Pohela Boishakh in Bengal and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu.

The Khalsa Diwan Society of Vancouver oversees the Vaisakhi celebrations in Vancouver. The Khalsa Diwan Society is a pioneer Sikh society, one of the oldest in Vancouver, formed on July 22, 1902 in British Columbia, Canada, formally established in 1906. In 1908, the Society purchased and built the first Sikh temple in Vancouver, which was located on West 2nd Avenue. This is believed to be the first Sikh temple in the whole of the American continent. This temple served the Sikh community until a new temple was occupied on April 25, 1970. The original temple was sold to build a bigger (present) temple located on Ross Street. The Khalsa Diwan Society has been a pioneer in raising Sikhi related issues and getting recognition for Sikhs in Canada. It continues to build a strong community based on Sikh values and principles. Every year the society organizes sports activities, including soccer and wrestling tournaments.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of a group of unidentified individuals, known as gursikhs, holding the Canadian and nishan sahib flag at the Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan which took place in Vancouver, British Columbia (B.C.). The Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan is an annual event which takes place in Vancouver and is organized by the Khalsa Diwan Society of Vancouver.

Gursikhs are Sikhs devoted to the Guru and the teachings of Sikhi. The Nishan Sahib is a Sikh holy triangular flag made of cotton or silk cloth, with a tassel at its end. The word, Nishan means symbol, and the flag is hoisted on a tall flagpole, outside most Gurdwaras (temples). The flagpole itself is covered with fabric, and ends with a two-edged dagger (khanda) on top. The emblem on the flag, which depicts a double-edged sword called a khanda (☬) in the centre, a chakkar which is circular, and flanked by two single-edged swords, or kirpans. A traditional symbol of the Khalsa Panth, the Nishan Sahib can be seen from far away, signifying the presence of Khalsa in the neighbourhood.

Vaisakhi is one of the most important festivals in Sikhi, marking the formation of the Khalsa in 1699 by the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It is a time of renewal, gratitude, and unity, celebrated with processions, prayers, and acts of service. Beyond its significance in Sikh history, Vaisakhi is also a harvest festival in Punjab, observed with joy and thanksgiving. Additionally, Vaisakhi holds special significance for Hindus, as it marks the beginning of the solar new year and is celebrated in various regions of India under different names, such as Pohela Boishakh in Bengal and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu.

The Khalsa Diwan Society of Vancouver oversees the Vaisakhi celebrations in Vancouver. The Khalsa Diwan Society is a pioneer Sikh society, one of the oldest in Vancouver, formed on July 22, 1902 in British Columbia, Canada, formally established in 1906. In 1908, the Society purchased and built the first Sikh temple in Vancouver, which was located on West 2nd Avenue. This is believed to be the first Sikh temple in the whole of the American continent. This temple served the Sikh community until a new temple was occupied on April 25, 1970. The original temple was sold to build a bigger (present) temple located on Ross Street. The Khalsa Diwan Society has been a pioneer in raising Sikhi related issues and getting recognition for Sikhs in Canada. It continues to build a strong community based on Sikh values and principles. Every year the society organizes sports activities, including soccer and wrestling tournaments.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of a group of unidentified individuals, known as gursikhs, holding the Canadian and nishan sahib flag at the Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan which took place in Vancouver, British Columbia (B.C.). The Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan is an annual event which takes place in Vancouver and is organized by the Khalsa Diwan Society of Vancouver.

Gursikhs are Sikhs devoted to the Guru and the teachings of Sikhi. The Nishan Sahib is a Sikh holy triangular flag made of cotton or silk cloth, with a tassel at its end. The word, Nishan means symbol, and the flag is hoisted on a tall flagpole, outside most Gurdwaras (temples). The flagpole itself is covered with fabric, and ends with a two-edged dagger (khanda) on top. The emblem on the flag, which depicts a double-edged sword called a khanda (☬) in the centre, a chakkar which is circular, and flanked by two single-edged swords, or kirpans. A traditional symbol of the Khalsa Panth, the Nishan Sahib can be seen from far away, signifying the presence of Khalsa in the neighbourhood.

Vaisakhi is one of the most important festivals in Sikhi, marking the formation of the Khalsa in 1699 by the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It is a time of renewal, gratitude, and unity, celebrated with processions, prayers, and acts of service. Beyond its significance in Sikh history, Vaisakhi is also a harvest festival in Punjab, observed with joy and thanksgiving. Additionally, Vaisakhi holds special significance for Hindus, as it marks the beginning of the solar new year and is celebrated in various regions of India under different names, such as Pohela Boishakh in Bengal and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu.

The Khalsa Diwan Society of Vancouver oversees the Vaisakhi celebrations in Vancouver. The Khalsa Diwan Society is a pioneer Sikh society, one of the oldest in Vancouver, formed on July 22, 1902 in British Columbia, Canada, formally established in 1906. In 1908, the Society purchased and built the first Sikh temple in Vancouver, which was located on West 2nd Avenue. This is believed to be the first Sikh temple in the whole of the American continent. This temple served the Sikh community until a new temple was occupied on April 25, 1970. The original temple was sold to build a bigger (present) temple located on Ross Street. The Khalsa Diwan Society has been a pioneer in raising Sikhi related issues and getting recognition for Sikhs in Canada. It continues to build a strong community based on Sikh values and principles. Every year the society organizes sports activities, including soccer and wrestling tournaments.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of an unidentified individual on a float with the Guru Granth Sahib at the Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan which took place in Vancouver, British Columbia (B.C.). The Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan is an annual event which takes place in Vancouver and is organized by the Khalsa Diwan Society of Vancouver.

The Guru Granth Sahib is the authoritative religious sacred text for Sikhs. It contains 3,000 hymns in various languages, with authors from multiple religious traditions. These hymns are sung during worship services held at the gurdwara, where the Guru Granth Sahib resides. The Guru Granth Sahib is itself considered the living Sikh guru, the final central authority over the Sikh community.

Vaisakhi is one of the most important festivals in Sikhi, marking the formation of the Khalsa in 1699 by the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It is a time of renewal, gratitude, and unity, celebrated with processions, prayers, and acts of service. Beyond its significance in Sikh history, Vaisakhi is also a harvest festival in Punjab, observed with joy and thanksgiving. Additionally, Vaisakhi holds special significance for Hindus, as it marks the beginning of the solar new year and is celebrated in various regions of India under different names, such as Pohela Boishakh in Bengal and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu.

The Khalsa Diwan Society of Vancouver oversees the Vaisakhi celebrations in Vancouver. The Khalsa Diwan Society is a pioneer Sikh society, one of the oldest in Vancouver, formed on July 22, 1902 in British Columbia, Canada, formally established in 1906. In 1908, the Society purchased and built the first Sikh temple in Vancouver, which was located on West 2nd Avenue. This is believed to be the first Sikh temple in the whole of the American continent. This temple served the Sikh community until a new temple was occupied on April 25, 1970. The original temple was sold to build a bigger (present) temple located on Ross Street. The Khalsa Diwan Society has been a pioneer in raising Sikhi related issues and getting recognition for Sikhs in Canada. It continues to build a strong community based on Sikh values and principles. Every year the society organizes sports activities, including soccer and wrestling tournaments.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of a group of unidentified individuals at the Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan which took place in Vancouver, British Columbia (B.C.). The Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan is an annual event which takes place in Vancouver and is organized by the Khalsa Diwan Society of Vancouver.

Vaisakhi is one of the most important festivals in Sikhi, marking the formation of the Khalsa in 1699 by the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It is a time of renewal, gratitude, and unity, celebrated with processions, prayers, and acts of service. Beyond its significance in Sikh history, Vaisakhi is also a harvest festival in Punjab, observed with joy and thanksgiving. Additionally, Vaisakhi holds special significance for Hindus, as it marks the beginning of the solar new year and is celebrated in various regions of India under different names, such as Pohela Boishakh in Bengal and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu.

The Khalsa Diwan Society of Vancouver oversees the Vaisakhi celebrations in Vancouver. The Khalsa Diwan Society is a pioneer Sikh society, one of the oldest in Vancouver, formed on July 22, 1902 in British Columbia, Canada, formally established in 1906. In 1908, the Society purchased and built the first Sikh temple in Vancouver, which was located on West 2nd Avenue. This is believed to be the first Sikh temple in the whole of the American continent. This temple served the Sikh community until a new temple was occupied on April 25, 1970. The original temple was sold to build a bigger (present) temple located on Ross Street. The Khalsa Diwan Society has been a pioneer in raising Sikhi related issues and getting recognition for Sikhs in Canada. It continues to build a strong community based on Sikh values and principles. Every year the society organizes sports activities, including soccer and wrestling tournaments.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of an unidentified individual on a float with the Guru Granth Sahib at the Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan which took place in Vancouver, British Columbia (B.C.). The Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan is an annual event which takes place in Vancouver and is organized by the Khalsa Diwan Society of Vancouver.

The Guru Granth Sahib is the authoritative religious sacred text for Sikhs. It contains 3,000 hymns in various languages, with authors from multiple religious traditions. These hymns are sung during worship services held at the gurdwara, where the Guru Granth Sahib resides. The Guru Granth Sahib is itself considered the living Sikh guru, the final central authority over the Sikh community.

Vaisakhi is one of the most important festivals in Sikhi, marking the formation of the Khalsa in 1699 by the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It is a time of renewal, gratitude, and unity, celebrated with processions, prayers, and acts of service. Beyond its significance in Sikh history, Vaisakhi is also a harvest festival in Punjab, observed with joy and thanksgiving. Additionally, Vaisakhi holds special significance for Hindus, as it marks the beginning of the solar new year and is celebrated in various regions of India under different names, such as Pohela Boishakh in Bengal and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu.

The Khalsa Diwan Society of Vancouver oversees the Vaisakhi celebrations in Vancouver. The Khalsa Diwan Society is a pioneer Sikh society, one of the oldest in Vancouver, formed on July 22, 1902 in British Columbia, Canada, formally established in 1906. In 1908, the Society purchased and built the first Sikh temple in Vancouver, which was located on West 2nd Avenue. This is believed to be the first Sikh temple in the whole of the American continent. This temple served the Sikh community until a new temple was occupied on April 25, 1970. The original temple was sold to build a bigger (present) temple located on Ross Street. The Khalsa Diwan Society has been a pioneer in raising Sikhi related issues and getting recognition for Sikhs in Canada. It continues to build a strong community based on Sikh values and principles. Every year the society organizes sports activities, including soccer and wrestling tournaments.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of Penny Priddy on a float with the Guru Granth Sahib at the Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan which took place in Vancouver, British Columbia (B.C.). The Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan is an annual event which takes place in Vancouver and is organized by the Khalsa Diwan Society of Vancouver.

Penny Priddy is a Canadian politician who served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Surrey-Newton from 1991 to 2001. She held several ministerial roles, including Minister of Women's Equality, Minister of Health, and Minister of Education. A trained nurse, she worked extensively in community services, supporting children, families, and people with disabilities. Priddy was also active in the Surrey School Board and various community organizations.

The Guru Granth Sahib is the authoritative religious sacred text for Sikhs. It contains 3,000 hymns in various languages, with authors from multiple religious traditions. These hymns are sung during worship services held at the gurdwara, where the Guru Granth Sahib resides. The Guru Granth Sahib is itself considered the living Sikh guru, the final central authority over the Sikh community.

Vaisakhi is one of the most important festivals in Sikhi, marking the formation of the Khalsa in 1699 by the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It is a time of renewal, gratitude, and unity, celebrated with processions, prayers, and acts of service. Beyond its significance in Sikh history, Vaisakhi is also a harvest festival in Punjab, observed with joy and thanksgiving. Additionally, Vaisakhi holds special significance for Hindus, as it marks the beginning of the solar new year and is celebrated in various regions of India under different names, such as Pohela Boishakh in Bengal and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu.

The Khalsa Diwan Society of Vancouver oversees the Vaisakhi celebrations in Vancouver. The Khalsa Diwan Society is a pioneer Sikh society, one of the oldest in Vancouver, formed on July 22, 1902 in British Columbia, Canada, formally established in 1906. In 1908, the Society purchased and built the first Sikh temple in Vancouver, which was located on West 2nd Avenue. This is believed to be the first Sikh temple in the whole of the American continent. This temple served the Sikh community until a new temple was occupied on April 25, 1970. The original temple was sold to build a bigger (present) temple located on Ross Street. The Khalsa Diwan Society has been a pioneer in raising Sikhi related issues and getting recognition for Sikhs in Canada. It continues to build a strong community based on Sikh values and principles. Every year the society organizes sports activities, including soccer and wrestling tournaments.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of Sue Hammell on a float with the Guru Granth Sahib at the Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan which took place in Vancouver, British Columbia (B.C.). The Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan is an annual event which takes place in Vancouver and is organized by the Khalsa Diwan Society of Vancouver.

Sue Hammell is a former Member of the Legislative Assembly for Surrey-Green Timbers, serving multiple terms since 1991. She held key roles, including Minister for Women's Equality, and co-founded the Minerva Foundation for BC Women. Hammell also worked internationally to support female leaders and served as Executive Director of the Surrey Aboriginal Society.

The Guru Granth Sahib is the authoritative religious sacred text for Sikhs. It contains 3,000 hymns in various languages, with authors from multiple religious traditions. These hymns are sung during worship services held at the gurdwara, where the Guru Granth Sahib resides. The Guru Granth Sahib is itself considered the living Sikh guru, the final central authority over the Sikh community.

Vaisakhi is one of the most important festivals in Sikhi, marking the formation of the Khalsa in 1699 by the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It is a time of renewal, gratitude, and unity, celebrated with processions, prayers, and acts of service. Beyond its significance in Sikh history, Vaisakhi is also a harvest festival in Punjab, observed with joy and thanksgiving. Additionally, Vaisakhi holds special significance for Hindus, as it marks the beginning of the solar new year and is celebrated in various regions of India under different names, such as Pohela Boishakh in Bengal and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu.

The Khalsa Diwan Society of Vancouver oversees the Vaisakhi celebrations in Vancouver. The Khalsa Diwan Society is a pioneer Sikh society, one of the oldest in Vancouver, formed on July 22, 1902 in British Columbia, Canada, formally established in 1906. In 1908, the Society purchased and built the first Sikh temple in Vancouver, which was located on West 2nd Avenue. This is believed to be the first Sikh temple in the whole of the American continent. This temple served the Sikh community until a new temple was occupied on April 25, 1970. The original temple was sold to build a bigger (present) temple located on Ross Street. The Khalsa Diwan Society has been a pioneer in raising Sikhi related issues and getting recognition for Sikhs in Canada. It continues to build a strong community based on Sikh values and principles. Every year the society organizes sports activities, including soccer and wrestling tournaments.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of Sue Hammell on a float with the Guru Granth Sahib at the Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan which took place in Vancouver, British Columbia (B.C.). The Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan is an annual event which takes place in Vancouver and is organized by the Khalsa Diwan Society of Vancouver.

Sue Hammell is a former Member of the Legislative Assembly for Surrey-Green Timbers, serving multiple terms since 1991. She held key roles, including Minister for Women's Equality, and co-founded the Minerva Foundation for BC Women. Hammell also worked internationally to support female leaders and served as Executive Director of the Surrey Aboriginal Society.

The Guru Granth Sahib is the authoritative religious sacred text for Sikhs. It contains 3,000 hymns in various languages, with authors from multiple religious traditions. These hymns are sung during worship services held at the gurdwara, where the Guru Granth Sahib resides. The Guru Granth Sahib is itself considered the living Sikh guru, the final central authority over the Sikh community.

Vaisakhi is one of the most important festivals in Sikhi, marking the formation of the Khalsa in 1699 by the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It is a time of renewal, gratitude, and unity, celebrated with processions, prayers, and acts of service. Beyond its significance in Sikh history, Vaisakhi is also a harvest festival in Punjab, observed with joy and thanksgiving. Additionally, Vaisakhi holds special significance for Hindus, as it marks the beginning of the solar new year and is celebrated in various regions of India under different names, such as Pohela Boishakh in Bengal and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu.

The Khalsa Diwan Society of Vancouver oversees the Vaisakhi celebrations in Vancouver. The Khalsa Diwan Society is a pioneer Sikh society, one of the oldest in Vancouver, formed on July 22, 1902 in British Columbia, Canada, formally established in 1906. In 1908, the Society purchased and built the first Sikh temple in Vancouver, which was located on West 2nd Avenue. This is believed to be the first Sikh temple in the whole of the American continent. This temple served the Sikh community until a new temple was occupied on April 25, 1970. The original temple was sold to build a bigger (present) temple located on Ross Street. The Khalsa Diwan Society has been a pioneer in raising Sikhi related issues and getting recognition for Sikhs in Canada. It continues to build a strong community based on Sikh values and principles. Every year the society organizes sports activities, including soccer and wrestling tournaments.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of Ujjal Dosanjh on a float with the Guru Granth Sahib at the Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan which took place in Vancouver, British Columbia (B.C.). The Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan is an annual event which takes place in Vancouver and is organized by the Khalsa Diwan Society of Vancouver.

Ujjal Dosanjh is a Canadian lawyer, civil rights activist, and politician. Born in Panjab, India in 1947, Dosanjh emigrated to England at the age of 17 and came to Canada four years later, in 1968. He started off at a Vancouver sawmill, but when a back injury hindered his career at the mill, he enrolled at Langara College and completed a degree in political science at Simon Fraser University. He earned a law degree at the University of British Columbia and established a law practice in Vancouver in 1979. First elected as MLA for Vancouver-Kensington in 1991, Dosanjh twice served as Caucus Chair and also chaired the Select Standing Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills. Dosanjh was sworn in as British Columbia's 33rd Premier and Canada's first Indo-Canadian Premier on February 24, 2000, serving until 2001. He had previously served as Minister of Government Services and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism, Human Rights, Sports and Immigration in 1995, and served as Attorney General from August 1995 to February 2000. He was also the leader of the provincial New Democratic Party (NDP) and later served as a Member of Parliament with the Liberal Party. A long time human rights activist, his past community involvements include: South Vancouver Neighbourhood House, MOSAIC, the B.C. Multicultural Society and the B.C. Civil Liberties Association. In 1977 he helped set up the first farm workers' legal information services while he was chair of the Labour Advocacy Research Association. Throughout his career, Dosanjh has been a strong advocate for social justice, healthcare, and public policy issues.

The Guru Granth Sahib is the authoritative religious sacred text for Sikhs. It contains 3,000 hymns in various languages, with authors from multiple religious traditions. These hymns are sung during worship services held at the gurdwara, where the Guru Granth Sahib resides. The Guru Granth Sahib is itself considered the living Sikh guru, the final central authority over the Sikh community.

Vaisakhi is one of the most important festivals in Sikhi, marking the formation of the Khalsa in 1699 by the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It is a time of renewal, gratitude, and unity, celebrated with processions, prayers, and acts of service. Beyond its significance in Sikh history, Vaisakhi is also a harvest festival in Punjab, observed with joy and thanksgiving. Additionally, Vaisakhi holds special significance for Hindus, as it marks the beginning of the solar new year and is celebrated in various regions of India under different names, such as Pohela Boishakh in Bengal and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu.

The Khalsa Diwan Society of Vancouver oversees the Vaisakhi celebrations in Vancouver. The Khalsa Diwan Society is a pioneer Sikh society, one of the oldest in Vancouver, formed on July 22, 1902 in British Columbia, Canada, formally established in 1906. In 1908, the Society purchased and built the first Sikh temple in Vancouver, which was located on West 2nd Avenue. This is believed to be the first Sikh temple in the whole of the American continent. This temple served the Sikh community until a new temple was occupied on April 25, 1970. The original temple was sold to build a bigger (present) temple located on Ross Street. The Khalsa Diwan Society has been a pioneer in raising Sikhi related issues and getting recognition for Sikhs in Canada. It continues to build a strong community based on Sikh values and principles. Every year the society organizes sports activities, including soccer and wrestling tournaments.