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Exploring traditions from other cultures is one way to expand your family&rsquo;s view of the world and cultivate a heart for the peoples that God loves. Learn about Vaisakhi &nbsp;(vu-SAH-kee), the most important holiday of the year for Sikhs (seeks).
Celebrated annually on April 13 or 14, Vaisakhi (vu-SAH-kee) is similar in significance to Christmas or Easter among Christians. There are 28 million Sikhs worldwide&mdash;making the Sikh religion the fifth largest in the world! The majority of Sikhs live in the Punjab region of northern India. Sikhs believe only one God exists and that all religions worship him. A core aspect of their faith is treating everyone equally. Sikhs also strive to work hard, be honest, help the poor and serve others.&nbsp;
Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi for two reasons. It marks the beginning of the Sikh community of faith, started by Guru Nanak in 1699. It also signals the start of the spring harvest in northern India. People gather in their fields to harvest crops, particularly wheat and mustard. While some reap the crops, others sing and play the dhol (dole), a large wooden drum. The work of gathering is transformed into a community festival.
Once crops are collected, families use the harvested wheat and mustard to prepare traditional foods&ndash;roti (ROH-tee), a round flatbread, and green curry flavored with mustard. Families wear new, colorful clothes and attend a service at the gurdwara (guhr-DWAH-ruh). In this place of worship, the guru reads from the Guru Granth Sahib,(GOO-roo grahnt SAH-heeb), the Sikh holy book.
Afterward, everyone in the community marches in a parade through the village. Vibrant yellow and orange decorations reflect the golden wheat fields at harvest time. People sing and play the drums and tumbi (TOOM-be), a small instrument that looks like a one-stringed guitar. Women perform a special harvest dance called the bhangra (BAHN-gruh).&nbsp;
Sometimes activities for children are set up and free food is provided for all at the gurdwara. More than a place of worship, the gurdwara serves as a community center where food, friendship and shelter are extended to all. Vaisakhi is a joy-filled celebration that reflects Sikh core values and is shared by family, friends and the entire community.
As Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi, we can pray in specific ways. From April 13-14, ask God:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>
to send believers into his harvest field to share the gospel with Sikhs (Matthew 9:37-38).
</li>
<li>
to help Sikhs understand the gospel and find eternal life in Jesus (John 14:6).
</li>
<li>
to include Sikhs in the great, heavenly celebration Jesus offers (Revelation 7:9-11).
</li>
</ul>

During Vaisakhi celebrations, special areas are set up for children. With your family, try creating a craft that Sikh kids might make to celebrate the harvest. You will need:
<ul>
<li>paper plate</li>
<li>lentils</li>
<li>rice</li>
<li>pasta</li>
<li>markers</li>
<li>glue</li>
</ul>

<ol>
<li>
Using a marker, create geometric patterns or designs on your paper plate. Make sure your design has at least three clearly defined sections.
</li>
<li>
Spread glue in one section of your design. Sprinkle with lentils.
</li>
<li>
Spread glue in a different section. Sprinkle with pasta.
</li>
<li>
Spread glue in a third section. Sprinkle with rice.
</li>
<li>
Continue until every section of your design is filled with lentils, rice or pasta.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
While your creation dries, pray for Sikhs with your family.&nbsp;
</li>
</ol>

Via Families

Explore: Vaisakhi

Explore: Vaisakhi

Jenny Marcelene