In a significant development, Baisakhi Day (April 13) has been listed as a religious holiday by the University of Michigan. Sikh students are now allowed to take leave from classes on this day without being marked absent.

The Michigan Sikh Study Circle (MSSC), that has been organizing the event since the Tri-centennial Celebration of the Khalsa in 1999, celebrated Baisakhi from 4-6pm on Sunday at the Trotter House of the University of Michigan.

In the presence of parents, non-Sikh student friends and many other University guests, students themselves performed Kirtan, Lecture, Ardas and took Vak. A prepared handout was distributed providing English transliterations and translations of all the hymns sung, the Ardas, Anand Sahib and Chaupai Sahib. The students cooked Langar, made Prashad and participated in the seva.

Non-Sikh invitees were seen enjoying the proceedings while organizing and conducting the event not only promoted a spirit of belonging among the students but also made them feel proud of being Sikhs.