English Language Learners (ELL) teachers Harjit Kaur Chauhan and Kawaldeep Kaur Ghuman recommend The Adventures of Mahi and Daya: Discovering the Spirit of Vaisakhi by Harpreet Kaur Mandair.
This engaging story by B.C. author and educator Harpreet Kaur Mandair introduces readers to Vaisakhi, a Sikh celebration observed each year on April 13 or 14. Vaisakhi is a spring festival that celebrates the beginning of the harvest season and commemorates the creation of the Khalsa. This year, Vaisakhi falls on April 14, 2026.
Readers learn about Vaisakhi traditions as they join Mahi and Daya in their adventure to discover the spirit of the festival. Mahi and Daya wear Punjabi clothing, take part in the Nagar Kirtan (community procession), and enjoy food stalls, decorated floats, gatka (Sikh martial art) demonstrations, and energetic bhangra performances.
The story highlights the welcoming and inclusive nature of Vaisakhi with a strong focus on seva (selfless service). This is reflected through the sharing of langar, a free vegetarian meal served to all, symbolizing Sikh values of equality, generosity, and community care.
While the largest parades in B.C. are typically held in Surrey and Vancouver, this year Maple Ridge will host its inaugural Vaisakhi celebration on April 12, 2026, at Memorial Peace Park.
We love this book for its authentic representation of Sikh culture and its emphasis on togetherness. It brings back fond childhood memories of celebrating Vaisakhi with our own families and offers a meaningful way to share these traditions with our students.
As April is Sikh Heritage Month, this book is a great springboard for discussions about Sikh culture, traditions, and values. It aligns with B.C.’s curriculum, under social studies personal and social awareness, and we recommend this story for readers of all ages.
The Adventures of Mahi and Daya: Discovering the Spirit of Vaisakhi is available in SD42 libraries.
- Continue the celebration with the SD42 Vaisakhi Virtual Classroom created by Yin Tsia with lesson plans by Kawaldeep Ghuman, Sukhdeep Birdi, Harjit Chauhan, and Jasmail Dhinsa (click the images to browse).
