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Sikh Celebrations - Guru Nanak

Honouring a sacred occasion

The Victorian 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 in October-November 2019.

Melbourne's iconic buildings lit up in celebration

Buildings and landmarks around Melbourne were lit in saffron on 12 November in honour of the occasion. Saffron is a significant colour in the Sikh religion and the background colour of the Nishan Sahib, the Sikh flag.

Buildings that were illuminated include:

  • AAMI Stadium
  • Arts Centre
  • Bolte Bridge
  • Flinders Street Station
  • Melbourne Museum
  • National Gallery of Victoria

Major events and local celebrations supported

Victoria is home to Australia’s largest Sikh community, with more than 52,000 Sikh Victorians recorded in the 2016 Census.

Each year, Sikh communities right across the world celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak – the first Guru and founder of Sikhism. These events are considered the most sacred in Sikhism.

The Victorian Government’s Sikh Celebrations and Events Fund will support 20 events this year across Victoria. All the funded events are open to the Sikh and broader Victorian community.

Major Events

Organisation Event Location
Australian Sikh Council Inc. Multicultural Community Parade 2019External Link Bendigo
Khalsa Shaouni Inc. 550th Gurpurb Celebrations Sports and Cultural EventExternal Link Plumpton
Sikh Community of Greater Geelong Geelong Humanity Walk - Naga KirtaExternal Link Geelong
Sri Sukhmani Sahib Sewak Sabh Kaun Banega Pyare Da PyaraExternal Link Keysborough
Victorian Sikh Gurduaras Council Humanity WalkExternal Link Melbourne CBD

Local Celebrations

Organisation Event Location
Brothers and Sisters Foundation Inc 550 Guru Nanak Dev Ji Birthday CelebrationsExternal Link Mount Cotrell
Guru Nanak Sikh Society Shepparton Inc Guru Nanak Birthday CelebrationsExternal Link Shepparton
Gurudwara Sri Guru Granth Sahib Guru Nanak 550th Birthday CelebrationsExternal Link Keysborough
Punjabi Sath Melbourne Inc. Guru Nanak Birthday Literary Function 2019External Link Lynbrook
Sikh Community of Western Victoria 550th Birth Celebration of Guru NanakExternal Link Tarneit
Sikh Volunteers Australia Incorporate 550th Birth Celebration of Guru NanakExternal Link Berwick

Reviewed 18 February 2021

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