More than 8,000 Western Australians are expected to celebrate Vaisakhi Mela at the Sikh Association of WA's temple grounds in Canning Vale on Sunday, May 23.
The annual festival is one of the most important dates on the Sikh calendar, marking the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Sikh community known as the Khalsa (Community of the Pure) more than 300 years ago.
Presented by the Sikh Association of WA, the family-friendly free festival will bring a taste of Sikh culture and traditions to Canning Vale for everyone to enjoy. Highlights include Indian food, cultural dance, music and entertainment.
Vaisakhi Mela 2021 is supported by the McGowan Government with funding of $5,000 through the Office of Multicultural Interests.
Sikhism is one of Western Australia's fastest growing faiths, as shown by the 2016 Census: more than 11,902 Western Australians identified with Sikhism, an increase of 142.3 per cent since 2011.
More information about the festival is available at http://www.omi.wa.gov.au
As stated by Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Tony Buti:
"Vaisakhi Mela takes its place alongside Perth's growing list of colourful community festivals bringing new cultural experiences to the whole community.
"Because of Western Australia's culturally diverse community, we get to participate in the best of the world's festivals right here at home.
"The WA Sikh community continues to grow and play a key role in making WA a more vibrant and exciting State.
"I encourage everyone to make their way to Vaisakhi Mela and experience some of the local Sikh community's fantastic cultural contributions to WA."
