Manitoba celebrates Sikh Heritage with Turban Day

April marks Sikh Heritage Month, and members of Manitoba’s Punjabi community are celebrating the province’s first-ever Turban Day.

This is the first official Turban Day celebration at the legislature since Diljeet Brar’s Bill 227 also known The Turban Day Act, passed last year. Brar says, it’s important to create a platform to educate others about different cultures across the province.

“Now we are in a position to make it happen and educate the public so that we can create love and harmony in this society. That’s the purpose,” said Diljeet Brar, NDP MLA.

“I can certainly say racism does exist. And there have been violent attacks on people who don’t look like others or look different due to their attire or skin colour.”

The Turban is a symbol of gender equality. Women have adorned their Turbans with dignity & pride. Turbaned women fought battles for justice, prepared & served langar to less fortunate, & they continuously participate in many means to uphold equality in our society. #mbturbanday pic.twitter.com/UeIqTqiyAu

— Diljeet Brar (@diljeet_brar) April 10, 2023

Manitoba NDP leader Wab Kinew echoed the message.

“Turban Day is a very positive opportunity to celebrate Sikh culture, and the Sikh-faith community in Manitoba but also to combat discrimination and do a little bit of education along the way.”

At Red River College, students are getting more of a hands-on experience.

“We are celebrating Turban Pride Day, that represents Sikh culture. You can see turban cloths over here and we are tying turbans to people, they are coming,” explained Manpreet Kaur, Red River College Student’s Association.

The event started almost a decade ago when a former student, turned staff member, Sukhjot Singh decided to educate his peers on the turban. The event is run by the school’s Student’s Association.

“When I saw them they were a little hesitant, they wanted to ask but they were feeling it might be inappropriate to ask so…I’m going to do something where I can help, if they have any questions I can help them out with that,” said Sukhjot Singh.

As Manitobans continue to celebrate Sikh Heritage Month, there’s one message members of the Sikh community want to pass on, it’s: If you are curious about the turban, just ask.

“Be ready to know. Instead of assuming about someone. Ask us.”