Media Release: Khalsa Diwan Society President Sohan Singh Deo and Gabriel Yiu Open Ross St. Temple to Chinese Media

(Vancouver) For the first time ever, the doors of the Ross St. Temple were opened to the Chinese media where Khalsa Diwan Society president Sohan Singh Deo, joined by provincial election hopeful Gabriel Yiu, gave them a tour of the temple and the soon to be open Komagata Maru Museum.

Happening days before the widely celebrated Vaisakhi, an important annual celebration of Sihkism, the two set out to bring awareness to the Chinese community about Sikh culture, Vaisakhi, and the notorious Komagata Maru incident.

The temple is located in South East Vancouver where the latest census shows that Chinese and South Asians make up about 60% of the population.

"As a member of the community, I want to dedicate myself to breaking down the barriers between communities of different cultures so that we can respect and appreciate other people and live in harmony with them in our multicultural homeland," said Yiu.

Vaisakhi is one of the most important and celebrated events in Sikhism. Associated with the harvest festival in Punjab, it also symbolizes the anniversary of the birth of the Khalsa and the establishment of equality.

In Vancouver, Vaisakhi is a widely attended event, attracting hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life.

"Vaiskhi is an incredibly important day in Sikhism that we hope to share with as many people as possible. That is why we are inviting the Chinese community, along with all of Vancouver's different cultures, to take part in this annual event," said Deo.

Yiu will take the lead this year, setting up his own tent at the Sunset Community Centre, offering free Chinese drinks and crackers, Taiwanese candies and fresh flower.

"As my own experience testifies, participating in Vaisakhi can help us learn more about the South Asian community. I earnestly encourage everyone to take part in the upcoming Vaisakhi on April 14, to walk with our neighbours and feel their energy and generosity," said Yiu.

Vaisakhi this year will be taking place on Saturday, April 14th 2012, between 10:00am and 3:00pm, on Main St. and Fraser St. between 49th Ave. and Marine Drive.