SENATE RESOLUTION

8639

BySenators Das, Randall, Zeiger, Short, Billig, Hasegawa, Hobbs, Braun, Mullet, Nguyen, Dhingra, Pedersen, Wilson, C., Fortunato, Conway, Keiser, Brown, Wellman, Wagoner, and Lovelett

WHEREAS, Sikhism is a religion founded in the Punjab region of South Asia over five centuries ago and introduced to the United States in the 19th century; and

WHEREAS, Sikhism is the fifth largest world religion with approximately twenty-five million adherents from diverse backgrounds throughout the world, including an estimated five hundred thousand adherents in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Sikhs in the United States pursue diverse professions and walks of life, making rich contributions to the economic vibrancy of the United States; and

WHEREAS, Washington prides itself on being a state where people of all faiths and cultures are welcomed and respected; and

WHEREAS, During the month of April, the Sikh community celebrates Vaisakhi, also known as Khalsa Day, which marks the beginning of the harvest season and the Sikh New Year; and

WHEREAS, Vaisakhi is one of the most religiously significant days in Sikh history, commemorating the creation of the Khalsa, a fellowship of devout Sikhs, by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699; and

WHEREAS, The local Sikh community will be celebrating Vaisakhi on May 4th, 2019, at the Kent ShoWare Center, showcasing Sikh heritage and culture;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate of the state of Washington wish our Sikh American community a very joyous Vaisakhi celebration.