"SIKHS SHARE TRADITION WITH COMMUNITY" Top 5 Page for this destination Windsor Local Custom Tip by LoriPori

Sunday, May 3, 2009
Hans and I went downtown Windsor today as it was a beautiful sunny day. As we approached Festival Plaza on the Waterfront, we saw a plethora of yellow, orange and blue colours. It was a parade of at least a thousand Sikhs, young and old, making their way through the streets of Windsor. Some Sikh members carried kirpans, the Sikh ceremonial dagger. They were celebrating the birth of their religion.
Sikhs from Windsor, Toronto and London, were dressed in yellow, orange and blue - colours that represent happiness. The celebration, Khalsa Day - Khalsa means "pure" - which consists of a parade and then a feast, is celebrated on the first Sunday in May.
Most Sikhs come from the Punjabi region of India and Pakistan. Male Sikhs wear turbans to protect their uncut hair and today most were wearing bright orange turbans - very colourful. The Ladies wore beautiful silk gowns of yellow, orange or blue - so elegant.
The Sikh community in the Windsor area is estimated to be between 15,000 and 20,000.
Hans and I thoroughly enjoyed this spectacle and were even invited to join in the celebration and to share in the feast. All of the traditional dishes were vegetarian and included a very spicy chick peas and tomato dish, fried dough stuffed with potatoes, a heavy round bread, fruit salad and honey balls for dessert. Water and juice were also provided.
What a wonderful experience and such lovely people.

Neither Hans or I had our cameras with us, so I am unable to provide pictures. Next year for sure though.