Sydney, Australia – The Sikh community of Western Sydney has expressed deep disappointment and concern following Blacktown City Council’s decision to deny permission for the annual Nagar Kirtan parade, which was scheduled to take place this Sunday. The event, a peaceful religious procession, has been celebrated for over two decades and is regarded as one of the most important traditions of the Sikh faith.
The Nagar Kirtan is not only a religious ceremony but also a cultural celebration that embodies the Sikh values of peace, equality, and community service. Across the world, including in India, the UK, Canada, and the United States, millions of Sikhs participate in these processions every year without incident. In Sydney, the event has a strong history of safety and harmony, attracting thousands of participants and well-wishers from all walks of life.
Temple committee member Dilbag Sidhu emphasized, “This parade has been an ongoing tradition for at least 20 years. It is an integral part of the Sikh faith in every city in the world and in India. To suddenly deny us permission sends a very hurtful and unfair message to our community.”
Community leaders are questioning why large-scale public demonstrations, including a recent pro-Palestine march involving over 90,000 people across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, were facilitated, while a peaceful local religious parade has been cancelled. The Sikh community believes such inconsistencies undermine the principles of fairness, equality, and multicultural respect that Australia stands for.
The Sikh community is calling on Blacktown City Council to urgently reconsider its decision and engage in dialogue to address any safety concerns in a collaborative manner. The community remains fully committed to working with authorities to ensure all necessary arrangements are made for the safe and peaceful conduct of the Nagar Kirtan.
“Our request is simple: allow us the same respect and accommodation that is extended to other communities. The Sikh community has always contributed positively to Australia’s multicultural society, and this tradition is central to our faith and identity,” said the temple committee in a joint statement.
The Sikh community now awaits a positive response from Blacktown City Council, hoping that dialogue and fairness will prevail, and that their right to religious and cultural expression will be upheld.