Over 2,000 Sikhs converged at the Ipoh City Council Square (Dataran MBI) to partake in the Vaisakhi state-level celebration recently. Other races were also seen at the open house mingling with the rest.
Gracing the occasion was Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri DiRaja Zambry Abd Kadir who later launched the annual festivity. Present to lend their support were the Executive Councillor for Women, Family and Community Development, Social Welfare and National Integration, Dato’ Rusnah Kassim and State Secretary, Dato’ Seri Abdul Puhat bin Nayan.
Zambry, in his welcoming remarks, said that the open house exemplified the unity among the various races in the state. He thanked the Punjabi community for continuously supporting the Perak government in developing the state.
“The level of unity we achieved today is a reflection of the tolerance, understanding and respect we have for one another,” he said. He thanked all those involved in making the open house a success. The MB gave donations to selected orphanages in the state, as part of the celebration programme.
Stealing the limelight was well-known TV3 personality, Datuk Karam Singh Walia who emceed at the open house. Besides feasting on local delicacies, guests were entertained to dances, songs, martial arts display and drumming.
Vaisakhi is one of the major celebrations on the Sikh calendar. Its objective is to commemorate the inauguration of the Khalsa (a collective body of all initiated Sikhs) on March 30, 1699. It is celebrated worldwide on April 14 each year.
Luqman
