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Sikh Heritage Month recognized in Colorado, Washington
The proclamations highlight Sikh Americans’ contributions and reflect broader efforts to recognize religious and cultural diversity across U.S. communities.
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Malvika Choudhary - Thu, 16, Apr 2026
- 15:46 EDT
- 26
Signing of the proclaimation in Colorado/ Renton City Council recognising the proclaimation / X(@GovofCO) / rentonwa.gov
Civic authorities in Colorado and Washington designated April 2026 as Sikh Heritage Month through proclamations recognizing the contributions of the Sikh community.
In Colorado, Governor Jared Polis proclaimed April 2026 as Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month, recognizing more than 120 years of Sikh American presence in the United States.
Also Read: California Assembly passes HR 100 recognizing Vaisakhi
The proclamation notes that Sikh Americans worked in farms, lumber mills, mines and on the Oregon, Pacific and Eastern Railroad in the early 20th century, and have since contributed across sectors including agriculture, technology, small businesses, hospitality, trucking, medicine and public service.
I’m proud to proclaim April 2026 as Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month in Colorado. For more than 120 years, Sikh Americans have helped build our nation and continue to strengthen Colorado through service, business, agriculture, the military, and many other fields.
— Governor Jared Polis (@GovofCO) April 15, 2026
This… pic.twitter.com/qsmGiZ1sOH
It also identifies Sikhism as the world’s fifth-largest religion, with more than 26 million adherents globally, and highlights the establishment of gurdwaras in Colorado.
The document states that Sikh Americans have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and continue to contribute to the state’s social, cultural and economic life, while emphasizing values of equality, service and respect for all.
The proclamation further notes efforts by the Sikh community to promote understanding and overcome bias, and reiterates Colorado’s commitment to religious freedom, inclusion and mutual respect.
Polis said, “I’m proud to proclaim April 2026 as Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month in Colorado.”
In Renton, Washington, the City Council adopted a proclamation on April 6 recognizing April 2026 as Sikh Heritage Month and Vaisakhi Day.
The city’s proclamation says Vaisakhi, also known as Khalsa Day, is one of the most significant celebrations in the Sikh community, marking the founding of the Khalsa in 1699 and the spring harvest season, and notes that Sikh Americans have contributed to the city’s social, economic and cultural fabric.
Mayor Armondo Pavone signed the proclamation, which was accepted by Rupy Kaur, a member of the Mayor’s Inclusion Task Force.
Kaur said, “Vaisakhi is a time of renewal and selfless service, and seeing our traditions acknowledged at the city level inspires a great sense of pride and belonging among our members, especially our young ones.”
Across North America, April is increasingly observed as Sikh Heritage Month, with proclamations issued at multiple levels of government to recognize Sikh history, identity and contributions.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
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