Canada PM Mark Carney celebrates Sikh Heritage Month, joins community service at Ottawa gurdwara
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Gurdwara Sahib Ottawa on Saturday (local time), where he joined members of the Sikh community in community service as part of Sikh Heritage Month 2026 celebrations.Sharing details and a video of his visit on X, Carney elaborated on the significance of the Sikh community in Canada, noting that the country is home to the second-largest Sikh population in the world. “Canada has the second-largest Sikh community in the world. During this Sikh Heritage Month, we celebrate the generations of Canadian Sikh women and men who have contributed to our shared prosperity, strengthened our communities, and helped build a stronger Canada,” he said.
Sikh Heritage Month celebrations across Canada
Sikh Heritage Month is being marked with a series of cultural and community-led events across the country. According to news agency ANI, this year’s celebrations include the launch of an exhibition titled Baaghi ja Badshah, which explores key phases in Sikh history, portraying the community as both rebels and leaders striving for a just and ethical society.The exhibition reflects the Sikh concept of Halemi Raj, a vision centred on fairness, justice, and ethical governance.
Diaspora events highlight India-Canada cultural ties
Earlier on April 13, the Indian Consulate in Toronto, in association with Virasat-e-Khalsa, celebrated the festival of Vaisakhi alongside Sikh Heritage Month. The event brought together members of the Indian diaspora and community leaders, highlighting cultural ties between India and Canada.High commissioner Dinesh K Patnaik described the diaspora as a “living thread” connecting the two nations, while consul general Mahaveer Singhvi emphasised the global resonance of Vaisakhi and Sikh heritage.The celebrations featured traditional Bhangra and Gidda performances, live music, and renditions of Dhadhi Vaaran, showcasing Sikh values of courage, faith, and community.Sikh Heritage Month, observed annually in April, recognises the contributions of Sikh Canadians and their role in shaping the country’s social and cultural fabric.