Sydney Parliament celebrates Baisakhi

Sydney, 29 Mar (UNI) State parliament of New South Wales made the last night a rare occasion by organising ''Bhangra'' to mark the Baisakhi festival at one corner of the heritage building while the lawmakers were busy with the discussions on legislative issues at the other end.

Balle! Balle! of ''Bhangra and Gidda'' troupes boomed, but within the confines of the Jubliee Room, which is a part of the NSW Parliament.

The NSW Speaker John Aquilina is stated to have taken the initiative to allow the Sydney-based Punjabi Council of Australia to celebrate the festival in the Parliament building, situated right in the middle of the central business district.

The celebration of the North Indian harvest festival is also important for Sikhs as it coincides with the initiation of the doctrine of ''Khalsa'' as Guru Gobind Singh baptised the Sikhs on Baisakhi day (April 13, 1699) in Anandpur Sahib.

The guest of honour on the occasion, Mr John Aquilina highlighted the relevance of egalitarian message imparted by the Tenth Guru to his followers on Baisakhi day more than three hundred years back.

The newly-appointed Consul General of India Sujan Chinoy also eloquently highlighted the importance of Guru Gobind Singh's inspiring message to the humanity while addressing mainly Sikh congregation.

UNI XC VJ KP1318