Celebrate Sikh Culture Awareness Day at East Brunswick Public Library

Did you know there are approximately 30 million Sikh followers worldwide, with an estimated 500,000 calling the United States home?

To better understand this vibrant culture and its impact, the East Brunswick Public Library (2 Jean Walling Civic Center Drive) hosts a Sikh Culture Awareness Day special event on Sunday, April 26, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

This family event is free and open to the public.

"In the Sikh faith, we are taught 'Sewa,' or selfless service. This event is my service to East Brunswick. It's important to me that my friends and neighbors see the values behind the turban—values of equality, justice, and helping others. I want people to know that if they ever see a person in a turban, they see a person they can turn to for help," said Roopreet "Dovey" Sawhney-Gill, the East Brunswick resident who organized the event.

"I grew up with these beautiful traditions, and I want to share that joy with the place where I live. The East Brunswick Public Library is a place for stories, and this is our story."
The free event features several activities and performances showcasing Sikh culture, including turban tying, arts and crafts, Henna, Punjabi songs, Bhangra and Giddha dance performances, and Dhol drumming.

Throughout the library, there will be several exhibits featuring Punjabi attire, the community’s history and traditions, and book displays highlighting the work of Sikh authors. Light refreshments will be served to all attendees.

"Ultimately, our goal is for the community to learn more about their Sikh neighbors," Sawhney-Gill added. "This event allows us to share our rich, distinct cultural heritage with everyone. It's important to me because I believe that the more we know about each other, the smaller the world feels."

This program is presented through a partnership between the East Brunswick Human Relations Council and the East Brunswick Public Library.