As spring paints Northern College’s Timmins campus in fresh blooms, students, staff, and community members came together on April 21, 2025 to honor Vaisakhi—the Sikh festival that marks both the harvest season and the founding of the Khalsa. More than just a cultural event, this vibrant celebration brought Sikh values of truth, service, and universal love to the heart of our campus.
A Spirit‑Lifting Welcome
From the moment guests stepped into the gymnasium, the air hummed with excitement. Bright orange and blue banners fluttered overhead, and tables lined the walls with:
- Decorative turbans and scarves in traditional hues
- Information panels explaining Vaisakhi’s historical roots
Volunteers greeted everyone with warm smiles, inviting first‑time visitors to learn about Sikh customs and the significance of Vaisakhi in modern life.
Turban ‑Tying: An Immersive Cultural Experience
One of the day’s most popular stations was the turban‑tying booth, where members of Timmins’s Sikh community guided participants—students, faculty, and visitors—through the art of wrapping a dastaar. Laughter and applause filled the room as newcomers proudly wore their newly tied turbans, snapping photos to share the moment. This hands‑on activity beautifully symbolized Vaisakhi’s message of respect, identity, and inclusion.
Carrying Vaisakhi’s Light Forward
Vaisakhi is a reminder that every new season—and every new year for the Khalsa—is an opportunity to stand for justice, practice compassion, and serve others with humility. As the blossoms of spring flourish around us, Northern College Timmins’s Vaisakhi celebration stands as proof that when we come together—with open hearts and shared values—we nurture a campus community rooted in unity and hope.
