"Turban Up" by Sikh Youth Federation
Last May, I had the privilege of volunteering at "Turban Up!", a grassroots event held every May in the heart of Downtown Toronto. The event, organized by the Sikh Youth Federation, strove to engage Canadians from all walks of life and share a Sikhi experience they'll never forget. Simply put, the goal was to share an experience that communicates what it means to be a Sikh and eliminate existing stereotypes that are often associated with the turban.
Yonge and Dundas Square was bathed in bright colours as people walked around in their freshly tied dastaars (turbans), with an extra flare of confidence in their step and heads held high. This event began two years ago and it's amazing to see how large it's grown in the number of participants as well as volunteers. It started off as an event that students organized at their respective universities and now it's hosted in the busiest square in Canada at Yonge and Dundas Square, and is attended by thousands of people from across the GTA. Along with turban tying, there are live Sikh martial arts demonstrations, art displays, face-painting and caricature stalls, street parchaar takes place throughout the event, and a never endings supply of Langar is served to Canadians of all backgrounds. Langar is a community kitchen where visitors sit together and enjoy a meal together. Everyone sits on the same floor and eats the same food, regardless of their race, religion, gender identity, caste, or social status. This was a revolutionary tradition started in a time and place where hierarchies based on caste, faith and gender were prevalent in every aspect of society, and this tradition is still alive in every Gurdwara (Sikh place of worship) around the world today.
It was wonderful to see people from different backgrounds come to participate and get a turban tied. In a world of polarity and otherness perpetuated so often through the media, it is so important to have events like these to break down the barriers that divide us. They allow us to reassess our self-identity and share our culture with others. This is an event where the Sikh community comes together and creates an open space to share their culture and unique Sikh experience with others. Events like these help us participate in creating our own narratives, instead of being subjected to however the media and other communities portray and define us. When we tie a turban on someone from another community, we break down the wall of separation and invite them to ask us questions, learn about our faith, and understand our experience. A turban is very significant to Sikhs as it is a symbol of royalty, a marker of identity, a protector of unshorn hair, and a promoter of equality.
It is our pleasure to announce that we're back for round three! "Turban Up" will be held in Yonge and Dundas Square on May 15th, 2016 from 10am to 7pm. You definitely won't want to miss North America's BIGGEST Sikhi awareness day in Toronto's busiest city square! So come join us on May 15th to enjoy a full day of activities and learning experiences, and most importantly- to Turban UP!
Turban Up is a grassroots event that would not be possible without the support of the community. Every May, people like yourself lend a hand and provide the youth with the funding, resources, and backing required to take the initiative to new heights. This year is no different. To host a successful event, we as a community have to raise a minimum of $23,000. Whether it is with a financial contribution or with your time, we would like thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support. Remember, Turban Up is not possible without YOU!
Visit http://gofund.me/turban_up to check out the budget break down and lend a hand!
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