American Sikh Congressional Caucus Celebrates Vaisakhi

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA) and Congressman David Valadao (R-CA), Co-Chairs of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus, released the following statements celebrating Vaisakhi:

“Vaisakhi is a time for us to commemorate the great contributions that the Sikh community has made to our country,” said Rep. Chu. “During this celebration, we are reminded of the important traditions adopted by Sikhs, and the Sikh-American community’s commitment to the highest standards of service, courage, and consciousness. As Co-Chair of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus, I am proud to serve as an original cosponsor for the resolution to wish the Sikh-American community a joyous Vaisakhi.”

“Vaisakhi is one of the most important days in Sikh history and I am proud to be an original cosponsor of H.Res.550, recognizing this importance of this holiday,” continued Rep. Valadao. “As the Representative of one of the largest Sikh populations in the country and co-chair of the Sikh-American Congressional Caucus, I look forward to celebrating Vaisakhi with my friends in the Sikh community and wish them a joyous holiday.”

Every year, the Vaisakhi festival in mid-April commemorates the creation of the Khalsa in 1699, when Sikhs first adopted their traditions of having unshorn hair, wearing turbans as an article of faith, and committing to the highest standards of service, courage, and consciousness.

Reps. Chu and Valadao are both original cosponsors of Rep. John Garamendi’s (D-CA) resolution that honors the Sikh American community’s celebration of Vaisakhi (H.Res 550).

The American Sikh Congressional Caucus was formed by Reps. Chu and Valadao to provide a voice for the Sikh community in America. Forty Members of Congress have joined the caucus.

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