Congressman Garamendi Wishes Sikh-American Community a Joyous Vaisakhi with House Resolution

Press Release

Today, Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, CA) introduced House Resolution 550 to wish the Sikh-American community a joyous Vaisakhi.

The Vaisakhi festival is held every year in mid April. In addition to commemorating the creation of the Khalsa, a fellowship of devout Sikhs in 1699, it is also a long established harvest festival held throughout the Punjab region of South Asia. Celebration of Vaisakhi includes performing "Seva" (selfless service), such as providing free food to others and volunteering for community service projects. The Sikh American community also honors the occasion with major parades throughout the United States.

"I proudly represent one of the largest Sikh communities in the nation. For decades, we have confronted the challenges of California together, including education and our current drought. It is in this spirit of cooperation and friendship that I wish Sikhs across America and across the world a most joyous Vaisakhi," said Congressman Garamendi.

"We are grateful to the resolution sponsors for highlighting the important contributions of Sikh Americans to their communities in all walks of life," said Simran Kaur, Advocacy Manager for the Sikh Coalition. "Sikhs are an integral part of the American fabric, and we look forward to celebrating Vaisakhi with our fellow Americans."

Congressman Garamendi was the lead sponsor of the resolution, which was cosponsored by Representatives Judy Chu (CA), David Valadao (CA), Joseph Crowley (NY), Doug LaMalfa (CA), Eric Swalwell (CA), Raul Grijalva (AZ), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX), Dina Titus (NV), Barbara Lee (CA), Jackie Speier (CA), Rush Holt (NJ), and Ami Bera (CA).

Last year, Congressman Garamendi joined a coalition that successfully persuaded the FBI to track hate crimes against Sikh, Hindu, and Arab-Americans with a letter signed by over 100 Members of Congress.

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