AJR238

A Joint Resolution designating the second weekend in April of each year as “Vaisakhi Weekend” in New Jersey.

Whereas, The cultural diversity of the State of New Jersey is a source of strength and inspiration for its people; and

Whereas, The Sikh community plays an integral, though often overlooked, role in strengthening the religious, social, and political fabric of this State; and

Whereas, Sikhism is the world’s fifth largest religion with more than 25 million adherents, roughly 500,000 of whom call the United States home; and

Whereas, Founded by Guru Nanak in the Punjab region of India during the 15th century, the Sikh spiritual tradition is rooted in the belief that every person, regardless of race, gender, sex, or creed, is equal before God; and

Whereas, Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi on the first day of the month of Vaisakh in the Sikh calendar, which typically falls on April 13th or 14th; and

Whereas, Vaisakhi is an important Sikh holiday that originated when Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th in a line of gurus, unified Sikhs in 1699; and

Whereas, Vaisakhi is a harvest festival which marks the day when many traditions of the Sikh faith were formalized, including establishing the Khalsa, which is the community of Sikhs who follow a spiritual code of conduct and have been baptized; and

Whereas, Vaisakhi is often celebrated by Sikhs attending their local house of worship known as a gurdwara to worship, meditate, and to participate in langar, which is a free community meal prepared and served by volunteers; and

Whereas, Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi across New Jersey with festivals showcasing cultural performances, music, and traditional food; and

Whereas, It is altogether fitting and proper for the people of New Jersey to celebrate the day of Vaisakhi alongside Sikhs throughout the world and to honor the lasting contributions made by the Sikh community in this State; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. The second weekend in April of each year is designated as “Vaisakhi Weekend” in the State of New Jersey to honor and celebrate this important holiday in the Sikh community.

2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation designating the second weekend in April as “Vaisakhi Weekend” and shall call upon the public officials and citizens of this State to observe the weekend with appropriate activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This resolution designates the second weekend in April as “Vaisakhi Weekend,” which is a Sikh holiday that typically falls on April 13th or 14th. To facilitate the celebration of Vaisakhi around the State, New Jersey will observe the holiday over the second weekend in April.

Vaisakhi is an important Sikh holiday, which originated in 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th in a line of gurus, unified Sikhs. This harvest festival marks formalized traditions of the faith, including the establishment of the Khalsa, a fellowship of baptized Sikhs who follow a spiritual code of conduct. Sikhs often celebrate Vaisakhi by attending their local house of worship known as a gurdwara and to participate in langar, which is a free community meal prepared and served by volunteers.

Founded by Guru Nanak in the Punjab region of India during the 15th century, the Sikh spiritual tradition is rooted in the belief that every person, regardless of race, gender, sex, or creed, is equal before God. Sikhism is the world’s fifth largest religion with more than 25 million adherents, roughly 500,000 of whom call the United States home.