Join us for National Sikh Day USA 2025 on April 5th in Washington D.C.! Celebrate the 326th Khalsa Sajna Diwas (Vaisakhi) with prayer, parade, and cultural festivities.

Blog

First Sikh Prayer Opens U.S. House Session Washington D.C

In a groundbreaking moment for the Sikh community and religious diversity in America, the U.S. House of Representatives session began with a Sikh prayer for the first time in history on September 29, 2023. This historic event marks a significant step towards recognition and inclusion of the Sikh faith in the highest levels of U.S. government.

Giani Jaswinder Singh, a Sikh granthi, had the honor of offering the prayer before the commencement of House proceedings. The prayer invoked blessings for members of Congress working to protect the free world and all Americans, emphasizing the Sikh principle of universal equality.

Harjinder Singh, media spokesman for the Sikh Coordination Committee East Coast (SCCEC), expressed the community’s joy: “This is a very, very happy occasion for the Sikh community, for the whole global Sikh community.” He emphasized that the prayer conveyed Sikhism’s universal message of viewing humanity as one race.

This milestone coincides with another significant development for religious minorities in the United States. On the same day, Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar launched a new Congressional Caucus aimed at protecting the interests of Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains living in the U.S. The Caucus, with bipartisan support from over 27 U.S. lawmakers, seeks to address cultural misunderstandings, promote interfaith dialogue, and support initiatives for the well-being, education, and empowerment of these communities.

Congressman Thanedar highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “We are assembling to pioneer a movement, one that strives for understanding, inclusion, and affirmative policy actions. A movement that says every faith, every culture, and every community has a place in America, the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

These events represent significant progress in recognizing and celebrating the diversity of faith communities in the United States. They align with SCCEC’s ongoing efforts to promote understanding, advocate for Sikh rights, and foster interfaith dialogue.

As we move forward, let us continue to work towards a society where all faiths are respected and celebrated, embodying the true spirit of American diversity and inclusion.

Author: Himmat Singh
March 3, 2025