Senate Resolution No. 1624

BY: Senator THOMAS

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating Vaisakhi, a
historical and religious festival in Hinduism and
Sikhism on April 13, 2024

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those
events which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural
diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York
State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
celebrate Vaisakhi, a historical and religious festival in Hinduism and
Sikhism on April 13, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Celebrated on the 13th or 14th of April each year, Vaisakhi
commemorates the formation of Khalsa Panth of warriors under Guru Gobind
Singh, the last living Guru of Sikhism, in 1699; this group of warriors
was charged with protecting religious freedom; and

WHEREAS, Originated as a harvest festival, Vaisakhi is recognized as
the beginning of the Sikh New Year, and for the year when Sikhism was
born as a collective faith; it also highlights respect for the
personality traits of dedication and self-sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, On this holiday, Sikhs from across the globe celebrate all
day, whether it is singing, performing a traditional folk dance known as
the Bhangra, watching a special procession known as Nagar Kirtan,
visiting decorated Gurudwara, or being baptized into the Khalsa; and

WHEREAS, Revelers also follow the tradition of langar, where
everyone in the community, no matter how rich or poor, come together to
share a free meal; and

WHEREAS, Vaisakhi was also the day when colonial British empire
officials committed the Jallianwala Bagh massacre at a gathering, an
event influential to the Indian movement against colonial rule; and

WHEREAS, In Hinduism, Vaisakhi celebrates the start of the solar new
year, based on the Vikram Samvat calendar; many Hindus observe the
spring harvest festival through activities such as visiting temples and
friends, and bathing in sacred rivers which include the Ganges, Jhelum,
and Kaveri; and

WHEREAS, Vaisakhi is fundamentally about community, celebration, and
progress, and these values are at the forefront of the collective
consciousness as Sikhs gather together to mark the occasion; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend events which symbolize the historical, social and cultural
development of this great State and embody the spirit of the principles
upon which this Nation was founded; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate Vaisakhi, a historical and religious festival in Hinduism and
Sikhism.