Alberta Legislative hosts Vaisakhi celebration

A local Sikh choir performed in the rotunda at the Alberta Legislature to mark Vaisakhi.

The Legislative Assembly of Alberta hosted a Vaisakhi celebration in the legislature rotunda on Monday.

Vaisakhi is a major spring festival, marking Solar New Year and the harvest season, that originated in the Punjab region of northern India.

A local Sikh choir sang the Canadian national anthem and led a prayer to the beat of a drum to open the event.

Speaker Ric McIver hosted the ceremony in Edmonton.

“Vaisakhi is the celebration of abundance and renewal. With the arrival of spring come new beginnings, growth and the opportunity to make a positive difference in our communities. Let us take this time to reflect on the values that all Albertans hold close to their heart - gratitude for the land and those who cultivate it and a commitment to serving our community,” McIver said.

He added that he hoped these values continue throughout the year and inspire the community to help one another.

Other speakers included Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Salma Lakhani, Minister of Indigenous Relations and MLA for Calgary-Northwest Rajan Sawhney, and Alberta NDP leader and MLA for Edmonton-Strathcona Naheed Nenshi.

The public were welcomed to join the celebrations in-person or watch the live stream online at assembly.ab.ca, which began at noon.