I had the pleasure of enjoying, for my first time, the annual ‘Baisakhi’ celebration at our local Bhavasagar Sikh Temple in Oliver.

As an obvious guest to the temple, I was welcomed with many hugs and “Happy Baisakhi”. A reverent crowd looked on at the traditional cleansing of the flag pole which was thoroughly washed with milk. Many participated in the deferential covering with a layer of gold fabric over which gold ribbon was meticulously wrapped. This was followed with prayer and thanksgiving inside the temple. As always, the festivities included a wonderful array of celebratory food which was enjoyed by many. One of the highlights of course was the freshly cleaned, covered and erected flag pole, symbolically representing renewal, joy and prosperity. “Happy Baisakhi” to all my Indo Canadian friends and neighbours.

“Baisakhi is the time when the new spring year begins and the harvesting of the rabi crop ends in various parts of India. The festival is thus filled with enthusiasm, vibrancy and absolute colour… Farmers thank Mother Nature for the bountiful harvest and together pray for the welfare and prosperity of the country in the coming year.” –