FERGUS – A core value of Sikhism is to work hard and share, and a group of Punjabi Sikhs in 
Fergus are looking to give back and connect with the community that has been so welcoming to them.
Everyone is welcome to come celebrate Vaishaki, a Punjabi Sikh holiday, at the home of Manpreet Singh Virk and Sukhpawandeep Kaur at 120 Harpin Way in Fergus.
This isn’t being put on by one couple but a large group of Punjabi Sikhs who live in Fergus and have connected recently through a Diwali celebration.
During a gathering of the group at the home, they explained to EloraFergusToday Vaishaki is a significant holiday in their community marking both the new year harvest and the formation of the Sikh religion.
“The main focus of our community is work hard and share,” explained Sam Farmaha. “So after the harvest, then people are celebrating.”
With this core value in mind, sharing and learning is why the group looked to invite the community out.
“Anybody who lives nearby or wanted to learn about culture, Sikh or Indians, everybody is welcome here,” Singh Virk said.
The celebration on Saturday will start at 11 a.m. and features a free meal, snacks and a turban tying lesson alongside some religious activities although the group encourages people to come regardless of religion.
“We want to invite everyone, even if they don’t relate with the religion, we just want people to come, maybe just have a visit, enjoy food and have a few conversations,” said Gurpreet Kaur.
There will be a lot of options when it comes to food, lots of different curries, but because it is a religious event the group explained it will be all vegetarian.
Fergus has been a very welcoming place for them and they appreciate the small town atmosphere, many members of the group mentioned in the interview, and they have been working on giving back to the community through means like giving to the food bank and holding a free tax clinic.
“Through this event we definitely want to show as well that we want to give back the same kind of welcome that we have received from the community,” said Amandeep Kaur Dhaliwal.
