UNITED SIKHS Australia Celebrates Historic Sikh New Year in Melton, Victoria

Melton, Victoria – On March 15, 2025, UNITED SIKHS Australia proudly hosted the first-ever celebration of the Sikh New Year, on Victorian soil. This groundbreaking event marked a historic milestone for the Sikh community in Victoria, symbolizing unity, heritage, and selfless service (Seva).

The Sikh community of Melbourne and from across the state of Victoria gathered in Melton with their families to commemorate the occasion. The event offered a blend of cultural, educational, and interactive experiences that enthralled attendees of all ages.

Event Highlights

• Cultural & Educational Exhibits: Visitors explored an exhibition of Sikh history featuring rare historical artifacts, old coins from the Sikh Empire, and a rich collection of books on Sikh history.

• Children & Youth Activities: Engaging activities included stalls to encourage children to learn, read, and speak Gurmukhi and Punjabi, turban-tying services

• Free Distributions: Nanakshahi Samvat 557 calendars were gifted to all
• Langar (Community Kitchen): Visitors enjoyed complimentary tea, fritters, cold sweet drinks, and water at the dedicated stalls.

The celebration was honored by the presence of Federal Members of Parliament MP Sam Rae and MP Joanne Ryan, along with State MPs Matthew Hilkari, Joe McCracken, Steve McGhie, and Greens MP Sarah Mansfield. Local government representatives, including Melton Mayor Steve Abboushi, Melton City Councilors, and Greens Candidate Bao Huynh, also attended, offering their support and encouragement to the Sikh community.

MP Sam Rae expressed gratitude to colleagues and the UNITED SIKHS of Australia for their community contributions. He highlighted the Sikh New Year as a symbol of new beginnings, emphasized cultural teachings and the diversity of the community in Hawke and across Victoria. As he stressed the significance of preserving cultural heritage and traditions, he also thanked the Australian government for promoting peace and unity. Similarly, he conveyed the Prime Minister’s respects to attendees.

Additionally, in his message, UNITED SIKHS Australia Director Gurvinder Singh shared inspiring thoughts, saying: “In the garden of humanity, we are abloom spreading the values of humanity, human rights, justice, racial and gender equality that became the pillars of United Nations, but our Gurus not only showed the pathway, but lived by these values themselves more than 300 years ago. In Australia too, Sikh community has been at the forefront during the most testing times – be it bushfires, floods or opening our doors and serving food and all support during the pandemic. As we step into the New Nanakshahi Year, we must strengthen ourselves even further to not only support Australia, but take action to strengthen the community around the world.”

Gratitude and Acknowledgments

UNITED SIKHS Australia extended heartfelt thanks to the Sikh Sangat (community), Gurdwara committees, and Sikh organizations for their unwavering contributions. They also expressed appreciation for the distinguished guests, including MPs, local leaders, and community representatives, whose presence underscored the significance of this occasion.

Here we present a video showcasing the landmark First New Year Celebration in Victoria, Australia.

Historic First Sikh New Year Celebration in Victoria | UNITED SIKHS Australia

For media inquiries, please contact:

Gurvinder Singh

Director, Operations- Australia

P:+61 433 455 922

E: gurvinder1.singh@unitedsikhs.org W:www.unitedsikhs.org