Sevadar’s “A Day in Punjab”— A Beautiful Celebration of Culture & History

By Gurjot Kang

Edited by Marian Mohamed

Fashion show, held by local clothing brand ‘Modern Majaajan,’ during “Day of Punjab” 2023 at the Seattle Center Armory. (Photo Courtesy of Sevadar)

Although there are over 500,000 Sikh Americans living in the U.S., a former study from the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund shows 70% of Americans are unable to identify those from the Sikh faith. 

Through events like “A Day in Punjab” at the Seattle Center, local nonprofit, Sevadar shines a light on the rich diversity and history of a cultural community often underrepresented in western mainstream media: the Punjabi diaspora. 

“We are creating and putting on events to help our community raise awareness,” said Manjot Kaur, president of Sevadar. “This [event] is a mix of everything…religion, tying the turban, dancing, food…all of this makes Punjab.”

“It’s just a matter of coming here with an open mind, ready to learn about another person’s culture, and being respectful,” said Kaur. 

Formerly known as the Sikh Youth Association (SYA), Sevadar is an organization committed to giving back to others through the practice of seva, or ‘selfless service.’ Seva, or helping one’s community through the goodness of one’s heart, is an important principle in Sikhism.

For a recap of last year’s ‘Day in Punjab’ festivities, watch our past video interview with Sevadar and Inkqusitive. (Video edited by Gurjot Kang)

Sevadar’s “A Day in Punjab” event welcomes and encourages the general public to learn more about the various aspects of Sikh Punjabi culture, from the food to the music to the tradition of turban tying. 

“The biggest group in Punjab is the Sikh population, and the way you recognize a Sikh person is by their turban. That’s how it was designed,” said Kaur. “When you talk about Punjab, you cannot not talk about the turban.” 

The turban tying element of Sevadar’s event focuses on demystifying the turban, an important symbol of courage, justice, and equality among Sikhs. Kaur is also passionate about supporting more opportunities for youth mentorship and education through the organization. That’s why she started the Five Rivers Youth Mentorship Project; a network of Sikh Punjabi professionals who serve as mentors and career guides for high school and college-age youth.

“The one thing I really want to work on is education and career in our community because we are either immigrants ourselves, or we’re the children of immigrants,” said Kaur. “The main focus for coming to a country like this was to have a better life, which is done through education.”

The start of a Giddha performance at “Day in Punjab” 2023. Giddha is a traditional folk dance performed by Punjabi women. (Photo Courtesy of Sevadar)

Last year’s “Day in Punjab” event was Sevadar’s first. This community event, part of Seattle Center’s free “Festál” or cultural festival series, brought in hundreds of attendees to engage and learn all about Sikh Punjabi culture, from live Bhangra and Giddha (Punjabi folk) dance performances to a special morning Gatka (Sikh Martial Arts) demonstration. 

Alongside vendor tables, the event also highlighted Sikh Punjabi businesses and artists through a special fashion show, featuring designs from brands ‘Modern Majaajan’ and ‘ManderbyKarn’, and an art exhibit curated by London-based illustrator Amandeep “Inkquisitive” Singh.

Illustrator Amandeep Singh, known as “Inkquisitive,” shares more about his creative journey on stage during “Day in Punjab” 2023. (Photo Courtesy of Sevadar)

“Sevadar [is] an incredible organization. They’ve believed in my artwork from a very early point in my career,” said Inkquisitive. “Being from the Sikh community, we come from a bloodline of warriors, maharajahs, kings, it’d be a crime if I didn’t paint that…there’s so much to share…you can never not be inspired with what the Punjabi community and the Sikh community has in store.”

Sevadar’s ‘A Day in Punjab’ will return for 2024 on Saturday, August 3, at the Seattle Center Armory with even more exhibits and musical performances from artists, like violinist Raaginder and professional magician ‘Amasingh.’ 

To learn more about Sevadar and the next ‘Day in Punjab’ event, visit their website at www.sevadarseattle.org.