WHEREAS, Vaisakhi, also spelled Baisakhi, is an ancient festival of great significance to Sikhs, Hindus, and Buddhists in many regions of India and other parts of South and Southeast Asia, and is celebrated annually on April 13 or 14 by many Californians with Sikh and Indian heritage; and

WHEREAS, Vaisakhi, in several parts of Northern India, especially Punjab, is a long-established harvest festival, which predates Sikhism, to celebrate the agricultural year and pray for abundant rabi crop produce for the next season; and

WHEREAS, For Sikhs and Sikh Americans, Vaisakhi holds special religious and historical significance because it commemorates the creation of Khalsa by the 10th Guru Gobind Singh in 1699, whereby five Sikhs called Panj Piaray or Beloved Five were transformed into leaders of the faith to defend religious freedom in front of thousands at Anandpur Sahib and unified Sikhs into a family of soldier saints, known as the Khalsa Panth; and

WHEREAS, Guru Gobind Singh, during the formation of Khalsa, initiated the Panj Kakkar or Five Ks tradition of the Khalsa that continues to be the basis for the unique Sikh identity, whereby Sikhs wear Kesh (uncut hair), Kanga (a wooden comb), Kara (an iron or steel bracelet worn on the wrist), Kirpan (an article of faith taking the form of a sword), and Kachera (short breeches); and

WHEREAS, For Hindus and Hindu Americans, the first day of Vaisakhi marks the traditional solar new year and is celebrated in diverse ways to mark spring harvest and the sacredness of rivers in Hindu culture, and many Hindus celebrate Vaisakhi by going to temple to pay respects and seek blessings, by bathing in the sacred Ganga river, and by attending melas, or lively fairs; and

WHEREAS, The Sikh American celebration of Vaisakhi embodies an array of religious and cultural celebrations, including worship, parades, dancing, and singing throughout the day and includes performing seva (selfless service), such as providing free meals to the needy and inviting visitors to Gurdwaras (Houses of Worship); and

WHEREAS, Sikh Gurdwaras throughout the world and in California are decorated and hold celebrations, and many Sikh Americans choose to be baptized as Khalsa on this day; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That the Assembly recognizes this years Vaisakhi celebration on Friday, April 14, 2023, and encourages Californians to take part in this joyous day of celebration; and be it further

Resolved, That the Assembly observes Vaisakhi as one of the most significant days for Sikh Americans and Sikh history and in observance of Vaisakhi, expresses its deepest respect for all who observe and celebrate Vaisakhi with South Asian Americans and the Indian diaspora throughout the world on this significant occasion; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.

Date of Hearing: March 30, 2023

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON RULES

James Ramos, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:HR 20 (

Author:Kalra) – As Introduced Ver:March 13, 2023

SUBJECT: Vaisakhi.

SUMMARY: Recognizes this year’s Vaisakhi celebration on Friday, April 14, 2023, encourages Californians to take part in this joyous day of celebration, and expresses deepest respect for all who observe and celebrate Vaisakhi. Specifically, this resolution makes the following legislative findings:

1. Vaisakhi, also spelled Baisakhi, is an ancient festival of great significance to Sikhs, Hindus, and Buddhists in many regions of India and other parts of South and Southeast Asia, and is celebrated annually on April 13 or 14 by many Californians with Sikh and Indian heritage.
2. Vaisakhi, in several parts of Northern India, especially Punjab, is a long-established harvest festival, which predates Sikhism, to celebrate the agricultural year and pray for abundant “rabi” crop produce for the next season.
3. For Sikhs and Sikh Americans, Vaisakhi holds special religious and historical significance because it commemorates the creation of Khalsa by the 10th Guru Gobind Singh in 1699, whereby five Sikhs called “Panj Piaray” or “Beloved Five” were transformed into leaders of the faith to defend religious freedom.
4. For Hindus and Hindu Americans, the first day of Vaisakhi marks the traditional solar new year and is celebrated in diverse ways to mark spring harvest and the sacredness of rivers in Hindu culture.
5. The Sikh American celebration of Vaisakhi embodies an array of religious and cultural celebrations, including worship, parades, dancing, and singing throughout the day and includes performing seva (selfless service), such as providing free meals to the needy and inviting visitors to Gurdwaras (Houses of Worship).
6. Sikh Gurdwaras throughout the world and in California are decorated and hold celebrations, and many Sikh Americans choose to be baptized as Khalsa on this day.

FISCAL EFFECT: None

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

None on file

Opposition

None on file

Analysis Prepared by: Michael Erke / RLS. / (916) 319-2800