“On behalf of the City of Mississauga and members of Council, I join with Mississauga’s Sikh community as they celebrate the joyous occasion of Vaisakhi,” Mayor Bonnie Crombie said in a statement issue Tuesday.

“Vaisakhi is observed as a celebrated religious festival. Throughout the Punjab region and in places around the world, families give thanks to God for prosperous harvests and abundances of food and nourishment.

“Vaisakhi is also a period to remember and reflect on the founding of the Khalsa Sikh community in 1699, which continues to flourish because of the devotion shown by generations of Sikhs who are so committed to their faith.”

Crombie continued, “It is only fitting that Vaisakhi coincides with Sikh Heritage Month in Ontario. Throughout April, the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives in collaboration with The Sikh Foundation of Canada are hosting a month of free special events, exhibits, and activities.”