It was a generous and jolly atmosphere down on the steps of Flinders Street today as Aman Kaur, her partner, friends and other members of the Sikh faith were handing out free drinks and well wishes to passersby.

“Today is Harvest Day for Sikhs, a festival celebrating new beginnings, flourishing, family and communities.   To celebrate this year we are running an awareness day to enlighten people about what Sikhism is and isn’t.

We think it is really necessary for us to go to the people to let them know who we are and what we are about.

As a minority here in Australia, we do stand out because of the way we look.

Sikhs wear the turban, like a crown, both men and women can wear it.

One of the common misconceptions about Sikhs is that we are Muslim or Hindu. We are actually a relatively new religion and we share the same core message as others, we are about  truth and honesty and working hard,  charity.

Something I am really passionate about is gender equality. In Sikhism, women are entitled to everything men are.

This is my partner and in every way, we are equal.”