13-04-2025
Erie's Sikh Temple hosts annual Vaisakhi celebration
Sweet smells and cultural music filled the rooms at the Sikh Temple on West 8th Street in celebration of the religion's 326th Vaisakhi.
The Sikh holiday dates back to the religion's foundation in 1699, and the holiday's traditions are still celebrated to this day.
'It has both spiritual and cultural significance. The reason why we are celebrating is that it is a birth anniversary for Khalsa, started by Guru Gobind Signh in 1699, and it gave us the principles of Sikhism as well as the Sikh identity,' said Jay Kang, volunteer at Erie's Sikh Temple.
Kang said some of those Sikh principles are a commitment to courage, equality and justice.
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But Vaisakhi isn't just exclusively for the Sikh community to celebrate, and he said the Sikh community believes in equality without barriers to gender or race.
'I think the sikh community just wants to make sure that we are warmly inviting the entire erie community to come and celebrate with us, share our values, and be a help in terms of building bridges of understanding,' said Kang.
Upon entering the Sikh Temple, you have to take your shoes off and put headwear on, which is meant to show a sign of respect.
Due to the special day, the temple served desserts and samosas, as well as played music. The event was so lively, some local politicians came out to make an appearance.
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'This is just an incredible experience. I come here every year; it's a very moving experience, and I'm always lifted up to a higher level every time i participate in one of these services,' said Erie Mayor Joe Schember. 'I think diversity is one of Erie's greatest strengths. I really absolutely believe that.'
Mayor Schember was joined by some other local politicians for the service on Sunday, including a representative from PA Governor Shapiro's office.
The representative went on to declare April 2025 as Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month on behalf of the governor to recognize the hundreds of thousands of Sikh-Americans living in the US.
Erie's Sikh community will celebrate its next big event in November in honor of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.
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