The Andrews Labor Government is supporting Victoria’s Sikh communities as they kick off celebrations for the 550th birthday anniversary of Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Richard Wynne today announced that 18 organising groups will share in $200,000 to hold a range of events throughout October and November in 2019 – fulfilling a key election commitment.
Each year, Sikh communities right across the world celebrate Guru Nanak – the first Guru and founder of Sikhism. These events are considered the most sacred in Sikhism.
Buildings and landmarks around Melbourne will also be lit in saffron on 12 November in honour of the occasion, including the Bolte Bridge, the Arts Centre, Melbourne Museum and AAMI Stadium.
The Labor Government’s Sikh Celebrations and Events Fund will support 20 events this year, including:
- The Humanity Walk in the Melbourne CBD, with 20,000 Victorians expected to attend
- Geelong’s Humanity Walk, with participants walking from Rippleside Park to Steampacket Gardens
- The Multicultural Community Parade to be held in Bendigo on 27 October
- The Guru Nanak Sikh Society Shepparton for celebrations running from 8 to 13 November
- Punjabi Sath Melbourne, which will run the Guru Nanak Birthday Literary Function
- The Travels and Teachings of Guru Nanak Art Exhibition at RMIT University
Victoria is home to Australia’s largest Sikh community, with more than 52,000 Sikh Victorians recorded in the 2016 Census.
All the funded events are open to the Sikh and broader Victorian community.
For a full list of events, visit .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Richard Wynne
“We promised we would support Guru Nanak celebrations – and I’m delighted to be delivering on that promise today.”
“Throughout October and November, Sikh Victorians and the broader community can celebrate, commemorate and learn more about this important figure – I encourage everyone to find an event near them and take part.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020