The Sikh Council on Religion and Education marked March 14 as Sikh Environment Day. Plans for the day involved:
During this observance, Sikhs can focus on ecological tips and improvement, and encourage raagis, or others, to perform environmentally themed shabads – hymns from the Sikh holy scriptures. A number of shabads extol the relationship between Sikhism and the environment, and Sikhs will be able to focus on their message during this celebration.In honour of this day, it is proposed that all communities participate in a tree planting ceremony or various other activities listed below, or further listed in the EcoSikh Guidebook. In addition, we propose that all communities participate in a local environmental clean-up.“Each community can create their own theme or follow one suggested by the EcoSikh initiative organised through the website. We hope that this particular day will be celebrated and the entire Sikh community will do something in solidarity around the world.”Various celebrations will take place in Punjab and in other parts of India. In North America, several gurdwaras have committed to celebrating this day as a Sikh Environment day. Several Sikh Youth organisations also planning to celebrate this occasion.What can people do for Sikh Environment Day?Individuals Families:
- Plant an EcoSikh garden or tree
- Visit your local parks monthly as time for spiritual reflection and renewal
Gurdwaras/Organisations:
- Ragis sing shabads with environmental themes
- Distribute tree saplings
- Organise a tree planting ceremony or plant saplings of plants in the Gurdwara complex.
Wider Community:
- Become an active part of Earth Day celebrations (April 22nd)
- Join interfaith environmental work camps and celebrations
Leave a comment below and let us know what you think a Jewish Environment Day would look like!
