OVER 600 participants gathered this morning at the Taman Bandaraya (Youth Park) to join the first-ever ‘Northern Region Sikh Family Mela’, a celebration of unity and joy.
Despite the downpour, the participants and organisers kept their spirits up, and eventually, the weather improved for the celebration. The festival featured a kids’ corner, tele-matches, a medical camp and a lively bhangra finale.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who attended the event, praised Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang as the main organiser, acknowledging its collaboration with other gurdwaras from the northern region.
Chow said the ‘Mela’, which means festival, is a living expression of ‘sewa’ (a selfless service) and a core Sikh value that binds generations, nurtures the young, and reminds us that unity is something we practise, not merely celebrate.
“These are more than festive activities; they are moments that strengthen bonds of family, faith and friendship.
“What we witness here today reflects that same principle, a community proud of its heritage and ever welcoming in friendship and care.
“For more than a century, Sikhs have helped shape Malaysia through enterprise, public service and civic leadership, guided by courage, fairness and compassion.
“From the langar (community kitchen of a gurdwara) that feeds all, to volunteers who respond in times of need, your quiet acts of kindness remain enduring pillars of our society,” Chow added.
Chow noted that in Penang, the spirit of togetherness is celebrated through events such as the Vasakhi Open House, Penang Mini Samelan, Vasakhi Games, and the recently held Souljah Camp.
“The same spirit shines through your many annual events from samelans (Youth Camps) and ‘samagams’ (religious congregations) to the Gurdwara Cup and MASPORE Games.
“Through these initiatives, culture is preserved, youth are empowered, and energy is channelled into meaningful service,” Chow said.
He recalled that just two days ago, Penang hosted the International Interfaith Peace Conference, a reminder that peace and harmony are never achieved by chance but thrive when communities come together, educate their young, and serve side by side.
Chow reaffirmed Penang’s ongoing commitment to programmes that unite families, nurture youth, and promote interfaith understanding.
“Under Penang2030 vision, we will continue to champion cultural festivals, health initiatives and youth development that deepen these bonds,” he said.
Chow urged the naujawans (youths) at the event to keep their energy alive, cherish their rich traditions, and carry forward the spirit of sewa, noting that they were the future of the sangat (community).
He also highlighted the role of parents and elders in safeguarding values and identity, encouraging them to continue guiding and inspiring the next generation.
Chow further expressed his appreciation to all organisers and volunteers, commending their demonstration of true community leadership.
“May today’s celebration remind us that unity is not a single event but a way of life, one that grows stronger each time we choose service over self and friendship over fear,” he said.
Apart from that, Chow also suggested that the annual Vaisakhi festival, which is usually held at Fort Cornwallis, be held at Youth Park this year, as restoration work at the fort is ongoing and it is expected to reopen to the public next year.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo expressed hope that more states would join in organising the festival next year. This year, gurdwaras from Perai, Butterworth, Kulim, Sungai Petani, Alor Setar, Kangar, and Taiping took part in organising the event.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Alissala Thian