TVaisakhi, the first day of the month of Vaisakh of the traditional Indian Calendar usually falls on April 14th of the Common Era Calendar. In Punjab it is usually just the end of the harvest of the wheat crop. Mela, Festival, held on this day, known as Mela Vaisakhi Da, is a very festive annual event bringing together the entire Punjabi population in a very joyful mood. Like previous years, Mela Vaisakhi Da 2004 was celebrated with great pomp and show by the local Atlanta Sikh community on June 26th, 2004 at the Georgia Tech Center for Arts. This is a very festive annual event organized by The Sikh Study Circle, Inc., Stonemountain, GA.

The Mela Vaisakhi Da has been celebrated since time immemorial in Punjab and elsewhere in India. In Atlanta it has been celebrated since 1985 by the local Sikh community. This year’s event at Georgia Tech drew a large crowd of old and young alike. A lot of Sikh men, women and children were dressed in their traditional Punjabi clothes and colorful turbans. The air was filled with happiness and a very festive environment.

The Mela started with an exhibition on Sikh history and achievements organized by Raminder S. Bindra. This was a very informative session for both Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike.

The main part of the Mela consisted of various folk songs and dances. The traditional Punjabi dance “Bhangrha” performed by Sikh men along with the drummer was very skillful and full of energy and happiness. Not to be outdone, Sikh girls also organized the traditional dance of “Giddha” and other Punjabi cultural dances & skits.

A video on achievement of Sikh Soldiers in World War 1 & 2 was also screened. Chairman of this year’s event, Mr. Gursharan S. Pannu was elated with the unity and support provided by the entire Atlanta Sikh community. There were quite a few Non-Sikhs in the audience, and even though they did not understand the Punjabi language, they thoroughly enjoyed the show and are looking forward to next year’s Mela at the same location in April or May 2005.