Vaisakhi and the 400th Birthday of Guru Teg Bahadur

Floor Speech

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Mr. TOOMEY. Mr. President, I rise today to join my Sikh friends, Pennsylvania's Sikh community, and Sikhs around the world in recognizing two important Sikh celebrations taking place this week: (the holiday of Vaisakhi and the 400th anniversary of the birth of Guru Teg Bahadur.

Sikhism traces its origins to the Punjab region of India and has flourished around the world for nearly 600 years. The Sikh tradition is built upon ideals of peace, respect, and equality. Further, Sikhs are dedicated to the principle that every person is created equal before God, no matter their race, gender, religion, or creed. Today, Sikhs number 30 million globally, making Sikhism one of the world's major religions. Nearly 700,000 Sikhs live in the United States, and many of them have made Pennsylvania their home.

Sikhs share a strong sense of community, family, and selfless service, as evidenced by their commitment to welcoming and serving individuals from all religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sikh communities across the country, including in Pennsylvania, mobilized to deliver meals, groceries, masks, and other supplies to tens of thousands of families in need. In my own travels across the Commonwealth, I have witnessed firsthand the spirit of this community when meeting with Sikh constituents. It is clear they have enriched their neighborhoods and contributed in numerous ways to the growth and vitality of Pennsylvania and the United States.

As a proud member of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus, each year, I join many voices across Congress and the United States in commemorating the holiday of Vaisakhi, which took place on April 13 this year. Vaisakhi marks the spring harvest and serves as a day of reflection of Sikhism's origins. During Vaisakhi, Sikhs commemorate the founding in 1699 of the Khalsa Panth, an order of devout Sikhs who played a fundamental role in cultivating the religion's history and identity.

Traditionally, Sikhs recognize Vaisakhi with parades, dancing, singing, and other festivities. Sikhs also commemorate this special day with community service, both organizing and volunteering in various community projects. In years past, Sikhs from around the country have organized a parade here in Washington, DC to commemorate Vaisakhi as National Sikh Day. While the pandemic has prevented such largescale, public celebrations both last year and this year, I look forward to welcoming Pennsylvania's Sikh community back to D.C. in the years to come.

In addition to celebrating Vaisakhi, Sikhs will also mark the 400th anniversary of the birth of spiritual leader Guru Teg Bahadur on April 18. The Ninth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Teg Bahadur is remembered as a champion of religious liberty for all. In 1675, Guru Teg Bahadur confronted Moghul Emperor Aurangzeb against the forced religious conversation of Hindus, an act for which he was publicly beheaded in Delhi. In giving his life to protect a religion that was not his own, he is fondly remembered by Sikhs as Dhram Di Chadar, or Shield of the Religions.

I extend my best wishes to the Sikh community for the joyous celebrations of Vaisakhi and the 400th anniversary of the birth of Guru Teg Bahadur.

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