Vaisakhi Bandana, City of Vancouver, 2023

Designed for the 2023 Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan in Vancouver, my rumals (bandanas) pay homage to the journey of the Punjabi diaspora in the city. Rumals are a head covering used in Sikh religious spaces. The annual Nagar Kirtan had been on hold for three years due to Covid, making this rumal project special. Each phulkari petal on the rumal represents a major city/district in Punjab, forming an organic floral pattern. It narrates the story of the Punjabi diaspora in Vancouver, reflecting on our community's progress and accomplishments. Beyond aesthetics, the rumal is an engaging artifact, interacting with the space and people. It becomes a tangible reminder of our shared journey, connecting individuals to the ever-expanding story of the diaspora.