KUALA LUMPUR - DURING the auspicious month when Indians usher in the New Year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak took the opportunity to reiterate the government's commitment to continue efforts to uplift the community.
In a message to commemorate the Tamil, Malayali and Sikh New Year, Najib said the government and Indian community's journey together, based on nambikei, or trust, had produced positive results and brought changes towards improving their quality of life.
"The month of April marks the beginning of a New Year for many in the Malaysian Indian community, with the Tamils ushering in 'Chitirai Putthandu', while Malayalis celebrate 'Vishu'.
"The Sikh community will celebrate 'Vaisakhi', which marks the birth of 'Khalsa'.
"On this occasion, I reiterate the government's commitment to continue focusing on uplifting the Indian community, based on an inclusive approach, towards ensuring a better quality of life for the current and coming generations," he said in a Facebook posting.
Najib called on all Malaysians to join their Indian brothers and sisters in celebrating the special festivals.
He said in welcoming a new beginning with family and friends, Malaysians should take a moment to remember and continue praying for those on board Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 and their families.
"I take this opportunity to wish 'Chitirai Putthandu Vaalthukal' and 'Vishu Ashamsakal' to the Tamil and Malayali communities, respectively.
"To the Sikhs in Malaysia, 'Aap Sab Nu Vaisakhi Di Lakh Lakh Vadai Hovey'."
In Ipoh, more than 3,000 Sikhs are expected to throng Gurdwara Sahib Buntong in Jalan Bombay, Buntong, here, for today's Vaisakhi celebration.
The religious festival marks the finalisation of the saint-soldier concept in the Sikh religion through the culmination of the "Khalsa" order in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh guru, which saw the introduction of a new initiation service, as well as the order for all initiated Sikhs to use Singh and Kaur at the end of their names.
While Vaisakhi is not the actual name of the event, which is actually called "Khalsa Sajnaa Diwas", the term became popular as the event takes place in the month of "Vaisakh", which, for Sikhs, normally begins on April 14.
Gurdwara Sahib Buntong management committee president Dalip Singh said the occasion was being celebrated with a three-day celebration, which began on Saturday with the raising of the "Nishaan Sahib" (the Sikh holy flag).
The congregation then partook in a 48-hour recitation of the Sikh holy scripture, known as "Guru Granth Sahib".
The scripture, which contains the hymns of six guru, four Sikhs, 11 bards and 15 saints, was bestowed with guruship by Guru Gobind Singh in 1708.
"Five sewadars (volunteers) are taking turns to continuously recite the scripture from 8.30am on Saturday.
"The recitation is expected to finish at 9am on April 14 (today).
"When the recitation is over, we will hold religious talks and sing hymns.
The temple will also organise a health camp for the local community, in cooperation with Pantai Hospital Ipoh," said Dalip at the temple grounds yesterday.
He said Sikhs also prayed for the recovery of the ill-fated MH370.
The celebration included an array of vegetarian food served throughout the Vaisakhi weekend, ranging from traditional Punjabi fare like rijwaa saag (mashed spinach) and capati bread to Malaysian dishes like cendol.
Dalip said volunteers from the local community were involved in the cooking and serving of the food in the spirit of sewa (service), adding that community service was an important part of the Vaisakhi festival.
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