Schools across Surrey and White Rock celebrate Vaisakhi

SAIL students performed at the District Education Centre earlier this week to celebrate Vaisakhi, a traditional celebration of spring harvest in Indian cultures. (Photos by Jacob Zinn)

Today is Vaisakhi, and many South Asian students and staff across the district are using the day to embrace their ancestry and highlight their culture through vibrant festivities.

Vaisakhi is a traditional celebration of spring harvest in Indian cultures, celebrated by many Sikh and Hindu Canadians. At the secondary school level, numerous schools are hosting Vaisakhi celebrations, including Princess Margaret, École Panorama Ridge, Queen Elizabeth, Sullivan Heights and Tamanawis secondary schools.

“Our school is known for it – there’s an expectation to have a very vibrant Vaisakhi event at the school to celebrate,” said L.A. Matheson Secondary teacher Gurpreet Bains. “We also educate students on the history and art, the tenets of Sikhism and the values that we live by in our culture.”

Over the past 19 years, Bains said her students and fellow staff have organized very successful and meaningful celebrations for Vaisakhi – one of the largest observances for her school. Today’s school festivities feature a showcase of arts and culture, bhangra dance performances, a dhol player, henna artists, free meals and a school-wide trivia contest with questions about Vaisakhi.

“For Vaisakhi, our Punjabi 10, 11 and 12 students also came up with ideas to decorate a magnetic wall with information on Vasakhi and the history Sikh Heritage Month, why it’s celebrated, the intent of it, and assignments that students have done on it,” she said. “Students feel seen and included as they walk by the display.”

Many other schools across the district are also putting on their own events to recognize the arts, history and culture of Vaisakhi.

This afternoon, students at Green Timbers Elementary are doing a bhangra presentation, fashion show and parade to celebrate Vaisakhi. Parents on hand will also hear more about the school’s Punjabi language program for Grade 5-8 students, with the hope of creating more active connections within the school community.

Earlier this week, SAIL students and staff performed bhangra dances at the District Education Centre to celebrate Vaisakhi. (see photo gallery below)

In South Surrey, Elgin Park Secondary’s Anti-Racism Committee is hosting a Vaisakhi celebration lunch with food and dancing, encouraging students and staff to wear bright colours. Proceeds from food sales will go towards the Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen Society.

Frank Hurt Secondary is also hosting a lunch, with free food along with music and dance performances, with students encouraged to wear their traditional clothes.

Kwantlen Park Secondary invites students to wear their traditional clothes and get henna done by volunteers, by donation.

Following up on École Panorama Ridge Secondary’s Vaisakhi celebration last year, the school is hosting bhangra performances and cultural displays, with free samosas and gulab jamuns at lunch. Students are asked to wear colourful traditional clothing to add to the festivities.

And Enver Creek Secondary’s Multicultural Club is presenting its annual Vaisakhi celebration with dancing, games, henna and more. Students are also encouraged to wear their traditional clothing.

Happy Vaisakhi to all of our students, staff, parents and families!