By Jaginder Singh | Malaysia |
Khalsa Diwan Malaysia (KDM) and Persatuan Guru Kalgidhar Diwan Malaysia (PGKDM), in collaboration with all Gurdwara Management Committees and Perak Sikh NGOs, will be holding the Perak State Vesakhi Open House (VOH) on Saturday, 4th May 2024 at Stadium Indera Mulia, Ipoh. This event, which is made possible under the auspices of the Perak State Government, is scheduled to begin at 12.30 noon.
The VOH this year will focus on promoting the cultural activities of the Sikh community, as a valuable addition to boost Malaysia’s image as home to multiculturalism.
A range of cultural activities have been lined up – turban tying demo, mehndi booth, cooking demo, Gatka performance, traditional Punjabi dance, Giddha and Dhol performance. Local and foreign artistes will entertain the crowd with their songs and dance performances. The Santana Bikerz will also display their prized possessions. Besides, Sikh NGOs will share their exhibits, while learning institutions will promote their products and services.
In addition, local and traditional Punjabi food will be served free of charge throughout the event. This is made possible by the generous contribution from all the 39 Gurdwara Sahibs, who have pooled their resources to prepare a range of traditional Punjabi food and sweets such as Chapati with dhall, Sholey paaji, pakodeh, barfi, samosas and so on. Local favourites like nasi lemak and fried noodles will also be served.
About 7,000 to 8,000 people are expected to attend the event, comprising Punjabis from Perak and neighbouring states, local Ipoh folks from different races and foreign tourists. The organisers have arranged buses to ferry visitors from all the major towns in Perak.
The organising of significant events such as Vesakhi [also spelt as Vaisakhi] at the State Level is important as it gives recognition to all communities, and demonstrates acceptance in a multicultural society like ours. Besides creating awareness, it helps in fostering unity, mutual respect and understanding among the various communities living in the country.
Organising Chairman, Sardar Baldip Singh and Co-Chairmen Sardar Jaginder Singh dan Dr Enjer Singh wish to thank the Perak State Government, members of the Organising Committee, all Perak Sikh NGOs and Gurdwaras, the Sikh Community in Perak and all volunteers who have jointly contributed towards the planning and organising of the State level Vesakhi Open House.
(Jaginder Singh is the President of Khalsa Diwan Malaysia)
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