In the vibrant multicultural heart of Adelaide, Australia, one couple’s unwavering dedication to cultural celebration has become a beacon of unity and resilience in the face of extremist threats. For over a decade, Harmeet Kaur, a Sikh woman, and her Hindu husband Rajesh Thakur have been the driving force behind the Vaisakhi Mela—a colorful, joyous celebration of Punjabi heritage and culture—through their community organization, the Punjab Aussie Association of South Australia.
But their mission to serve the diasporic Sikh and Punjabi community has not been without its trials.
A Celebration Targeted
Trouble began on February 22, 2022, when Rajesh Thakur received a threatening phone call from Gurinder Jit Singh Jassar, the South Australia head of Khalsa Aid, and his associate Mintu Brar. The demand: to change the name Vaisakhi Mela, under the claim that the festival “belongs” exclusively to Sikhs. In a disturbing escalation, Jassar went on to accuse Thakur of “sexualising the young generation” by allowing traditional folk performances such as Gidha and Bhangra—ironically, dances that have long been a proud part of Punjabi cultural expression, performed by both men and women.
What followed was a string of threats, including warnings of physical harm, damage to the couple’s business, and a broader social boycott. Harmeet and Rajesh, standing firm in the face of intimidation, lodged an official police complaint, refusing to back down from their commitment to inclusivity and cultural pride.
Escalation and Moral Policing
The harassment did not stop there. In 2023, pro-Khalistani groups once again targeted the couple. Social media posts from individuals like Sarabjit Singh Pipli called for a community-wide boycott, spreading further division and hate under the guise of cultural preservation. The organizers found themselves in the crosshairs of radical moral policing, simply for creating a platform where Punjabi culture—across religious lines—could be celebrated freely.
Our culture is too rich to be confined by borders—religious or political. Vaisakh Mela is a celebration of all of us
Despite the stress and community tensions, the couple remained grounded in their values. While extremists tried to fracture the community along religious lines, Harmeet and Rajesh continued their work, supported by countless others who valued harmony, art, and shared heritage.
A Compromise That Preserved the Spirit
In 2024, following mediation by local police and members of the community, the couple made a small yet symbolic change: the event was renamed from Vaisakhi Mela to Vaisakh Mela. This gesture was enough to deescalate tensions, and on April 6, 2024, the festival was held successfully and peacefully. The vibrant event drew attendees from all backgrounds—Sikh, Hindu, Muslim, and others—demonstrating that cultural celebration is not the property of any one group, but a shared experience that binds communities together.
Looking Ahead with Hope
Now, in 2025, Harmeet Kaur and Rajesh Thakur are preparing once again to welcome Adelaide’s Punjabi community to Vaisakh Mela 2025, scheduled for April 5 at Civic Park, Modbury. Undeterred by the intimidation of previous years, the couple remains devoted to their mission: to celebrate Punjabi culture in all its diversity, and to provide a space where unity triumphs over division.
Their journey is a testament to the strength of community, the power of cultural expression, and the resilience of those who choose peace in the face of hate. In an age where extremist voices often drown out those of unity, Harmeet and Rajesh remind us that courage and compassion are louder still.
