Vaisakhi is the most important festival of Punjab. It marks the annual harvest festival, as well as the birth of the Khalsa (the pure), in the Sikh religion. It is usually celebrated on April 14 every year.
PM Scott Morrison noted that Vaisakhi marks the onset of the New Year, which is a time for "reflection" and optimism".
"Communities across Australia will once again gather to enjoy the very best of Sikh food, dance, and music. I wish everyone an uplifting and memorable occasion, and peace, happiness and prosperity for the year ahead," he said.
According to the latest census, Sikhism is now the fifth largest religion practiced in Australia. Acknowledging this growth, Mr Morrison said, "As one of the largest religions in Australia, I thank the Sikh community for your contribution to making us one of the most successful multicultural nations on earth."
He further commended the Sikh for its generosity and dedication by saying, "The Australian Sikh community is vibrant and strong—seen in your dedication to education and hard work, and in your generosity and love for this country."
"It is these ideals that sit at the heart of how we live as citizens, and how we, as a nation, remain resilient and cohesive," he added.
The current year is also being marked as the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak - the founder of the Sikh religion. To mark the momentous occasion, street parades will be held int he month of April in many major Australian cities.
Source: Supplied
Here is the entire message sent by Mr Morrison for this year's Baisakhi/ Vaisakhi.
"For hundreds of years Baisakhi has been an opportunity for Sikhs to celebrate the bonds of culture, history and identity. It is a time for joy and celebration, of giving thanks with family and friends.
The New Year is a time for reflection on the year past, and it is a time for optimism as we look to the year ahead.
At this time, I wish the Australian Sikh community well as you welcome in the New Year.
Communities across Australia will once again gather to enjoy the very best of Sikh food, dance, and music. I wish everyone an uplifting and memorable occasion, and peace, happiness and prosperity for the year ahead.
As one of the largest religions in Australia, I thank the Sikh community for your contribution to making us one of the most successful multicultural nations on earth.
The Australian Sikh community is vibrant and strong—seen in your dedication to education and hard work, and in your generosity and love for this country. It is these ideals that sit at the heart of how we live as citizens, and how we, as a nation, remain resilient and cohesive.
With these thoughts in mind, and in a warm spirit of friendship, I offer my best wishes to the Australian Sikh community for a wonderful Baisakhi celebration."
