Milkha Singh in Times Square fest

The occasion was also used to educate fellow Americans about Sikhism in the wake of growing incidents of hate crimes and discrimination against them. Legendary Indian sportsman Milkha Singh graced the occasion and addressed one of the largest such celebrations in the US, calling on the Sikh community to educate the young generation about the significance of the Sikh culture.

Hundreds of excited tourists and children queued up at the popular city destination to get turbans tied on their heads in bright colours by members of the Sikh community and took pictures and selfies wearing them as ‘Turban Day’ was also celebrated at the event. 

The participants jostled to get a picture clicked with the elderly ‘Flying Sikh’, who had travelled from Canada for the event. Lauding the organisers for putting together the event,Milkha Singh said such a celebration of Sikh culture will inspire and educate people across the city and country about Sikhism and its rich history. 

“People here should know that Sikhs are warriors, they have fought for other people and will do everything to help others. The event will inspire people here and educate them about the Sikh culture, they will get to know who Sikhs are,” Milkha Singh said. 

He also said he would like to see ‘one more Milkha Singh’ from the Sikh community spread across the US and the world.

Lamenting that Sikh articles of faith such as the turban and beard are often still misconstrued and associated with terrorism, the organisers invited passers-by and those at the event to get a turban tied on their heads and to ask about the Sikh culture.