Student Resources & Support Services Sikh Heritage Month

This year, as Sikh Heritage Month is celebrated throughout April, we recognize the Sikh community and the rich traditions that shape Sikh identity and foster connection. One such tradition includes a customary salutation, "Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh" that affirms both community belonging and devotion to the Divine. We offer appreciation to the Sikh community for their ongoing connection and for the many accomplishments of Sikhs across our College community, throughout British Columbia, across Canada, and around the world.

Celebrating Sikh Heritage Month

Canada’s first Sikh heritage month was officially celebrated in BC in 2018 (the event was celebrated prior to that in the Sikh community), with the province being home to about half of Canada’s Sikh population. Langara’s international student population’s largest demographic is from India, of which, many are Sikh. Langara is, additionally, uniquely honoured to be neighbours with the Punjabi Market at our main campus. As an educational institution, Langara is grateful for the beautifully distinct and inclusive perspective Sikhs bring to our College community as well as the rich culture and history passed on from generation to generation.

2026 Theme of Daya

This year’s observance of Sikh Heritage Month is centered on Daya, a Sikh principle of compassion that reflects a way of living rooted in kindness, empathy, and care for all. The concept can also translate as mercy and loving kindness. The Sikh community aspires to practice Daya as they navigate life and their responsibilities to others. 2026’s Sikh Heritage Month theme of Daya is also reflected by accomplishments of Sikh-Canadians, such as:   

• The resistance of Baltej Singh Dhillon whose bravery to insist on religious accommodations for RCMP officers resulted in a national conversation and greater acceptance of the Sikh religion and its obligations to wear a turban and have a beard
• The best-selling explorations of feminism, immigration and Sikh identity through Rupi Kaur’s poetry
• Palbinder Kaur Shergill’s work as a judge on the Supreme Court of British Columbia as well as her involvement in community associations like the Fraser Health Authority, World Sikh Organization and Sikh Feminist Research Institute
• Pamela Rai won a bronze medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics in the 4x100 meter swimming relay. She was the first Sikh Canadian athlete to win an Olympic medal and was born and raised in New Westminster, BC

Countless other Sikh individuals have made significant contributions to the local and global community, which Langara recognizes, is endlessly thankful to benefit from, and provides a platform to support the work of the Langara Punjabi Association (lpa.langara [at] gmail.com (lpa[dot]langara[at]gmail[dot]com)).  

Additional Information

For resource recommendations from the Library, local events, and more information about this special occasion, please check out our page on Sikh Heritage Month.