Why Vaisakhi this year in Delaware will be "Balle Balle"
2-minute read
"Balle Balle" is a Punjabi phrase associated with everything joyous and delightful.
Nowhere is that joy more visible than on Vaisakhi — a traditional harvest day celebration in April for Sikhs, Punjabis and other Indian communities. Thanks to a team of Delaware state legislators, this year's Vaisakhi, on Sunday, April 14, will indeed be Balle Balle.
One of the popular features of the holiday is a carefully choreographed, colorfully costumed, and lively dance known as Bhangra. The lawmakers, who spent hours with an expert Bhangra instructor, will show off their dancing skills during the Vaisakhi event at the Sikh Center of Delaware located at 1107 S. Dupont Highway, New Castle. The team includes state Sen. Bryan Townsend, Delaware's Senate majority leader; Rep. Sophie Phillips, Delaware's first and only legislator with a family connection to India; state Sen. Elizabeth Lockman, Senate majority whip; Rep. Paul Baumbach, Rep. Sherry Dorsey Walker, state Sen. Stephanie Hansen and state Sen. Laura Sturgeon. Joining them will be legal aide Emmy Diaz.
The legislative team worked hard and invested a lot of time preparing for the performance under the instruction of regional Bhangra legend, Vishwas Singh Sodhi — popularly known as Vicky — who has performed extensively, including at several NBA basketball games.
In addition to the rookie state legislators, the day will feature performances by more experienced Bhangra dancers, including college and youth teams mentored by Twinkle Madan Chadha.
On Vaisakhi, the Sikh Center of Delaware will provide langar, the free vegetarian meal fed to Sikh and non-Sikhs alike, at 1:30 p.m., followed by the dance performances at 3 p.m. This celebration is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the center at (302) 601-6070.
— Jasmine Minhas