Latest news with #KhalsaDay
CTV News
01-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Thousands attend Khalsa Day festivities in Regina, marking new year for Sikh community
In celebration of the new year for the Sikh community, different practices and performances took place at this year's Khalsa Day in Regina. (Sierra D'Souza Butts / CTV News) Thousands of people across the province came out to celebrate the annual Khalsa Day festival at Regina's Wascana Park on Saturday. Starting off with a parade, the all-day event marks the new year for the Sikh community through different cultural performances, practices, and activities. 'The official word of the parade is Nagar Kirtan. Nagar means 'city,' and Kirtan means to 'sing the hands of God,'' explained Manmeet Singh, general secretary and spokesperson for Sikh Society of Regina. 'What we are doing here is we are telling people that we are here. We are your neighbours, we belong here, and we all belong to the same human race.' With the event being open to the public and continuing to grow in size every year, Singh said educating others about Sikh traditions is a significant part of the festivities. 'A lot of people don't know about Sikhism. We are fairly new in terms of how old the religion is. Our religion is only 500 years old,' he explained. 'People [may] think we are from a religion or a place that [goes back a long time] which is not the case. We are actually the religion that prophecies the quality of both men and women and equality of all. Nagar Kirtan is saying no matter where you come from, who you are, we are all children of the God.' Aside from small businesses and local vendors, officials from the Government of Saskatchewan, the NDP, the City of Regina, along with members of the Regina Police Service and Regina Fire & Protective Services were in attendance. 'We hope that people take this opportunity to learn more about the Sikh faith, and we are able to portray we are good neighbors and outstanding members of the community,' he said. 'We participate together and bring oneness.' Organizers estimated over 15,000 people attended Saturday's event.
CTV News
18-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Downtown Windsor road closures Sunday for Khalsa Day Parade
The local Sikh community hosts the annual Khalsa Day Parade in Windsor, Ont. on Sunday, May 18, 2025. (Robert Lothian/CTV News Windsor)
Global News
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Sikh parade in rural N.B. gets permit after concerns raised on social media
Members of the Sikh community in a rural part of New Brunswick say they're upset after criticism and objections to this weekend's religious festival and parade in Shediac Bridge, which is located in the amalgamated community of Beausoleil, N.B. More than 2,000 people are expected to take part in the parade on a road in the community outside of Moncton on Sunday. On social media, residents and business owners raised concerns about the parade — which is now in its fifth year — citing issues with traffic, safety, and not enough advance notice given. Sikh community member Simi Kaur said she found it upsetting to see negative social media comments about her community. 'My problem with the whole thing I'd say is in person, (people are very nice) but you step online and you don't understand how the community really feels about you,' she said. Story continues below advertisement She said she was disappointed to see comments raising alarm about Kirpans, a small symbolic blade that Sikh men wear. Kirpans are legal in most public places nationwide. 'It's just as easy to educate yourself. We're not here to harm anybody,' she said. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy An open letter to local officials from a resident, which was widely shared, stated the parade organizers didn't have a permit. It also expressed concern that the event fell on Mother's Day, which is a busy day for restaurants and businesses in the area. 'This isn't about religion. It's about fairness, safety, and respect for the laws that are in place for all of us,' the letter read. Restaurant owner Woo Gun Choi was among those who initially felt apprehensive. 'I'm an immigrant too, from South Korea, so this is why I respect other religions and cultures' said Choi, the owner of Fritou Chicken. 'My concern is (as) a business owner in this area is they block the traffic and that makes my customers feel bad.' Bulwant Singh Birk, president of Atlantic Khalsa Darbar, said the community has been working to obtain a permit from the province since March but had faced delays. They received that permit on Thursday. Story continues below advertisement He explained the event is to celebrate Khalsa Day, which commemorates the Sikh New Year and is a significant time for the community. 'Everyone is most welcome. That's why we are saying all community recognized as one,' he said. He went on to say that the organizers have received racist messages and a window was recently broken at their temple. He said they've contacted the RCMP and that they will be adding 'more security' to this year's parade. The controversy prompted the municipality of Beausoleil and the MLA for the area, Benoît Bourque, to issue a news release clarifying that the organizers have now received a permit. The RCMP will be on scene at the parade and only the southbound lane will be temporarily blocked during the event. 'Although the municipality was not responsible for organizing this event, we worked in collaboration with the relevant authorities to ensure the well-being and safety of all citizens,' the municipality's statement reads. 'We invite the public to be vigilant and respectful, and to plan for possible traffic delays on the morning of May 11.' Beausoleil Mayor Roméo Bourque said he too had concerns about emergency vehicles being able to get through, but feels better that a permit is in place. Story continues below advertisement 'From what I understand, this new permit that I received from the Department of Transportation has resolved a lot of those concerns. At least I'm hoping it will,' he said. The mayor met with the Sikh community leaders on Thursday and said it was positive. 'I personally reached out to them to meet them,' he said. 'I think there was a better understanding of both sides of the story. It's always nice to meet face to face.'
The Print
06-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Fresh trouble hits India-Canada ties, New Delhi protests threatening language at Khalsa Day parade
'We have conveyed our concerns in the strongest terms to the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi regarding the parade held in Toronto where unacceptable imagery and threatening language were used against our leadership, and Indian citizens residing in Canada,' sources in the government said. A speech by one attendee at the parade Sunday targeted '8 lakh' Indians living in Canada, asking them to be removed from the country, while floats targeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar were also seen at the parade. The parade, according to videos and images being circulated, reportedly had pro-Pakistan and pro-Sikh separatist propaganda as well. New Delhi: Fresh trouble has hit India-Canada ties with New Delhi lodging a protest with the Canadian High Commission following threatening statements from Sikh separatists calling for Indo-Canadians to be removed from the North American country, and threats against Indian leaders during a Khalsa Day parade in Toronto. New Delhi called on Canadian authorities to 'act against anti-India elements who spread hatred and advocate extremism and a separatist agenda'. The protest by India against the space given to Sikh separatists in Canada comes at a time when New Delhi and Ottawa are looking at ways to reset ties that have sunk to their lowest point in recent years. Mark Carney led the Liberal Party to victory at the Canadian federal election last week, which potentially opened the doors for a thaw in ties between the two countries following the resignation of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in January of this year. Trudeau, in September 2023, accused agents of the Indian government of being linked to the killing of the Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. An Indian designated terrorist, Nijjar was gunned down outside a gurdwara in June 2023, in Surrey, British Columbia. New Delhi rejected the allegations as 'absurd and motivated'. In October 2024, India withdrew its High Commissioner to Canada and five other diplomats, following a request from Ottawa to waive their diplomatic immunity as a part of their investigations into Nijjar's killing. Subsequently, New Delhi expelled six Canadian diplomats, including the Acting High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner. India accused Trudeau of pandering to 'vote bank' politics in his refusal to take any concrete action to deal with Sikh separatists and went so far as to declare the country a safe haven for terrorists. As reported by ThePrint earlier, India is likely to appoint a new High Commissioner to Ottawa soon, given Carney's victory. However, a number of challenges remain, especially around the issue of the space given to Sikh separatists in Canada. India had lodged a protest against the pro-Sikh separatism slogans shouted during last year's Khalsa Day parade as well. Trudeau had addressed the crowd amid chants of 'Khalistan Zindabad'. A raft of political leaders addressed the gathering last year, including Leader of the Opposition Pierre Poilievre. The speech at this year's Khalsa Day parade in Toronto has outraged the Hindu community in Canada. The Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce 'condemned' the demand for 8,00,000 Hindus to leave Canada in a statement Sunday. 'There are 800,000 Hindus and over 1.86 million Indo-Canadians in Canada. The call at today's Nagar Kirtans in Malton & Etobicoke clearly targeted Hindus. History teaches us that calls for mass expulsion leads to unthinkable acts. This dangerous rhetoric must be denounced by all leaders,' the CHCC said in its statement on the social media platform X. CHCC condemns the call at today's Nagar Kirtan in Malton & Etobicoke demanding 800,000 Hindus leave Canada. There are 800,000 Hindus and over 1.86 million Indo-Canadians in Canada. The call at today's Nagar Kirtans in Malton & Etobicoke clearly targeted Hindus. History… — Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce (@chcconline) May 4, 2025 The Hindu Canadian Foundation (HCF) said in a statement on X that the 'silence of many political leaders' in response to the remarks 'must be recognised as implicit consent'. 'It is the duty of all MPs and MPPs, across party lines, to take a stand against this divisiveness and reaffirm Canada's commitment to religious harmony and inclusivity. A civilised society cannot tolerate hate-mongering and attempts to fracture our diverse communities,' the HCF said. Hindu Canadian Foundation strongly condemns the recent call By KHALISTANI EXTREMISTS to send back 800,000 Hindus to India during the Malton & Etobicoke Nagar Kirtan. Such statements foster division and spread hate against the Hindu Canadians . The Nagar Kirtan is meant to unite… — Hindu Canadian Foundation (HCF) (@officialHinduCF) May 5, 2025 (Edited by Sugita Katyal) Also read: With Mark Carney's win, India looks to reset ties, will appoint envoy to Canada 'soon'
Hindustan Times
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Leave Canada: Outrage over threat from pro-Khalistan elements
The Khalsa Day parade featured floats with pro-Khalistan propaganda, pro-Pakistan banners and imagery targeting Indian leaders Toronto Indo-Canadian groups have expressed outrage over a speech made during a Khalsa Day parade in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) on Sunday calling for the community to be removed from the country. The speech was made in the backdrop of floats featuring pro-Khalistan propaganda, including pro-Pakistan and anti-India banners. A raw video of the speech was shared with the Hindustan Times and authenticated by the person who had taken it. While parts of the inflammatory rhetoric is unintelligible, the unidentified person giving the call using a megaphone says that 'eight lakh Bharti' should be taken back to Hindustan (India). Banners on display also featured the words 'Kill India', imagery attacking Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and solidarity between proponents of Khalistan and Islamabad. There was no evidence that these floats were part of the procession sanctioned by the organisers. The nagar kirtan started from the town of Malton and travelled to Toronto's Rexdale area. Condemning the provocative statement, the Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce said: 'History teaches us that calls for mass expulsion leads to unthinkable acts. This dangerous rhetoric must be denounced by all leaders.' Community leaders pointed out that while there are approximately 1.8 million Indo-Canadians in the country, of them about 800,000 or eight-lakh are Hindus. The group Canadian Hindu Volunteers said: 'These are not the actions of activists. These are the tactics of radicalised ideologues, many of whom have exploited Canada's asylum and immigration systems, presenting false claims of persecution to enter the country and build networks that fund, promote, and glorify violence.' 'Let us be clear: This is not a conflict between Sikhs and Hindus. Millions of Sikhs and Hindus live side by side in Canada and across the world in peace, brotherhood and mutual respect,' it added in a post on X. The National Alliance of Indo-Canadians called upon Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to 'nip this evil in the bud'. This is not the first time such rhetoric has been employed by radical elements in Canada. Last year, during the annual India Day parade in Toronto, a pro-Khalistan group gathered at the venue for the event, and were heard shouting, 'Canadian Hindus go back to India,' among other slogans. That demonstration was part of the so-called Khalistan Rally, and flyers circulated in the days preceding it called for a 'face-off' between 'Khalistan Sikhs' and 'Canadian Hindus'. In a video that went viral in September 2023, the secessionist outfit Sikh for Justice's legal counsel Gurpatwant Pannun said, 'Indo-Hindu leave Canada, go to India.' 'You not only support India but you are also supporting the suppression of speech and expression of pro-Khalistan Sikhs,' he said, adding they were 'also promoting violence by celebrating' Hardeep Singh Nijjar's 'assassination'. That reference was to the killing of the pro-Khalistan figure in Surrey, British Columbia on June 18, 2023. Three months later, then Canadian Prime Minister stated in the House of Commons there were 'credible allegations' of a potential link between Indian agents and the killing. That sparked cratering of ties between India and Canada as New Delhi rejected the accusation as 'absurd' and 'motivated.' Four Indian nationals, all Sikh, were arrested in connection with the murder and charged in May last year are currently undergoing trial in connection with that murder in British Columbia. India lodges protest with Canada India on Monday lodged a protest with Canadian authorities over the 'threatening language' and unacceptable imagery of the Indian leadership featured at a Khalsa Day parade held in Toronto, reflecting the strains in bilateral ties over the activities of pro-Khalistan elements. The Indian side lodged a protest with the Canadian high commission in New Delhi, people familiar with the matter said on condition of anonymity. 'We conveyed our concerns in the strongest terms to the Canadian high commission regarding the parade held in the Toronto, where unacceptable imagery and threatening language were used against our leadership and Indian citizens residing in Canada,' one of the people said. The Indian side again called on Canadian authorities to act against 'anti-India elements' who are spreading hatred and advocating extremism and a separatist agenda, the people said. The development comes at a time when the exit of former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau and his successor Mark Carney's victory in the general election had raised hopes for an improvement in bilateral relations. India-Canada relations tumbled from one low to another since Trudeau went public in September 2023 with allegations that Indian government agents were linked to the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a charge dismissed by New Delhi as 'absurd'. Under the Trudeau government, Ottawa and New Delhi repeatedly clashed on the Khalistan issue, downgraded diplomatic ties and expelled each other's diplomats. India also accused Canada of providing safe haven to extremist elements.
