Ottawa: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Saturday greeted Sikhs on Baisakhi and Tamils on Puthandu, renewing his government’s commitment to building a “better, fairer, and more inclusive country for everyone”.
In separate statements issued by his office, Trudeau wished the Sikhs on the celebration of their harvest festival and the Tamils on their New Year.
“Today, Sikhs in Canada and around the world will come together to celebrate Baisakhi, one of the holiest days of the Sikh calendar,” he said.
“Baisakhi commemorates the creation of the Khalsa and is also a celebration of the spring harvest festival,” Trudeau said.
Asserting that it is a time of reflection, gratitude, and renewal, symbolising unity and community, he said that as part of the celebrations, “Sikhs will gather at their local Gurdwaras, participate in vibrant and colourful parades known as Nagar Kirtans, and celebrate their rich diversity and heritage.”
Trudeau pointed out Canada marks its fifth annual celebration of Sikh Heritage Month this April and said, “Vaisakhi offers another opportunity for all of us to recognise the invaluable and ongoing contributions that Canadians of Sikh faith bring our communities.”
“This is especially evident in their countless acts of selfless service – or seva – which exemplify the values of generosity and compassion at the heart of their faith and encourage us to be better,” he said.
“Vaisakhi diyan lakh lakh vadhaiyan,” he said, wishing those celebrating the festival a happy and blessed Baisakhi.
Also wishing the Tamil community on the start of their New Year, he said, “It is a joyous occasion to express gratitude for the past year and to look toward new beginnings with renewed hope and enthusiasm.”
“On Puthandu, Tamils in Canada and around the world unite to celebrate the start of the Tamil New Year,” he said.
He added that to celebrate the occasion, families and loved ones will decorate their surroundings with kolams – traditional art drawn with rice flour, coloured powders, or flower petals – and dress in new, colourful, and vibrant clothing
“In Canada, this day also gives us an opportunity to recognise the many important contributions that Tamil communities make to our country. As we look forward to the New Year together, we renew our commitment to building a better, fairer, and more inclusive country for everyone.
“Iniya Puthandu Nalvazhthukkal,” he said, wishing everyone celebrating a “happy New Year filled with peace, health, and prosperity”.
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