Vaisakhi is the most important Sikh festival that is usually celebrated on April 13 or 14 every year.
It commemorates the formation of the Khalsa (the pure), by the tenth Sikh master, Guru Gobind Singh in the year 1699.
It also marks the Sikh new year and is a spring harvest festival celebrated in Punjab and many other parts of northern India.
In his statement, PM Scott Morrison sent his best wishes to mark the occasion.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks to the media during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra. Source: AAP
"I wish the Australian Sikh community the best for the year ahead, and thank you for all you give to Australia - the special place we call home,” he said in the statement.
He also praised the Sikh community for their "support" and the "values" it upholds.
“At a time like this, we all depend on the values of care and concern, generosity and respect that I know the Sikh community upholds. Such values also give me great confidence that our nation will get through this,” he added.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison issued the following statement on the occasion of Vaisakhi:
The Sikh Temple/Gurdwara at Glenwood in Sydney's west. Source: Supplied
Baisakhi is usually a time for the Sikh community to rejoice in its most cherished traditions: a time of renewal, refreshment and of joy and devotion.
But recent months have presented significant challenges for our nation - in the form of drought, bushfires, and now a global health crisis.
These things have challenged us and different ways, and call on our strength, unity and resilience.
Coronavirus is a once in one hundred year event. It requires us all to look out for each other and support each other, so that we can get through this together.
All of us have a role to play in keeping our communities safe: employers, nurses, doctors, teachers, scientists, friends, family and neighbours. I know that we will all do our bit.
At a time like this, we all depend on the values of care and concern, generosity and respect that I know the Sikh community upholds. Such values also give me great confidence that our nation will get through this.
Life has changed. It will continue to change as we go through these many months ahead.
We are an incredible country - and working together with an incredible sense of purpose, unity and co-operation.
We have a long way to go, but we can draw strength from the common sense, endurance, resilience, and simple human kindness of the Australian community.
We will get through this. On the other side, we will bounce back strongly because of the work we are all doing and the values we hold dear.
So I wish the Australian Sikh community the best for the year ahead, and thank you for all you give to Australia - the special place we call home.
According to the latest census, Sikhism has nearly 126,000 followers in Australia, making it now the fifth largest religion of the country, after Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism.
The number of Sikhs in Australia has almost doubled in the last five years from 72,296 counted in the last Census.
Meanwhile, the celebrations to mark one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar stand cancelled or postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Sikh Volunteers Australia distributing free food to people in self-isolation in Melbourne. Source: Supplied
In the past, thousands have gathered in the towns and cities that are home to Australia's largest Sikh communities.
Many gurudwaras (Sikh temples) have moved online to broadcast rituals and other events as people self-isolate and stay at home.
Coronavirus symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia, according to the Federal Government's website. Symptoms can include a fever, coughing, sore throat, fatigue and shortness of breath.
If you develop symptoms within 14 days of returning from overseas, you should call to seek medical attention.
If you don’t have symptoms but you have been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case, you should also call to seek medical attention.
If you believe you may need to get tested, call your doctor, don’t visit. Or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
