Kent Saheli Group (KSG), a charity based in Kent, celebrated Teeyan with 700 women attending at Fort Gardens, Gravesend on Sunday 21 July 2024. Teeyan, also known as ‘Teej’ or ‘Teeyan Da Mela,’ is a traditional festival that celebrates the monsoon season and women’s sisterhood. Women from various parts of the UK gathered to celebrate their sisterhood and friendships. They enjoyed traditional Giddha, Bhangra, and singing performances by different groups, including the Kent Saheli Group. Women and girls of all generations attended and participated in presenting the day’s program.
Daya Kans, the Founder and President of KSG, Sandeep Khatkar, the General Secretary of KSG, Manpreet Kingra, the Chairperson of KSG, and other KSG members welcomed all attendees and offered prayers to Mother Nature for prosperity and health. Gravesham Borough Councillor Jenny Wallace also gave a speech on the importance of the Teeyan festival and unity among women.
This year, researchers from the University of Kent, including Professor Lisa Dikomitis, a Medical Anthropologist, Director of the Centre for Health Services Studies (CHSS), and Co-Director of Research Kent and Medway Medical School (KMMS), presented a research program on the mental health of the Sikh community in Kent. PhD researchers Aman Rattan and Hasara Nuwangi shared their projects with the Sikh community and engaged with attendees in both English and Punjabi to encourage involvement.
The Kent Saheli Group, established by Daya in 1991, is dedicated to empowering women of all backgrounds and promoting cultural and wellbeing activities. Since becoming a charity in 2008, key members including Sandeep Khatkar, Manpreet Kingra, Kam Sandhu (Vice Chairperson of KSG), Sharan Atwal (Treasurer of KSG), and Binda Kaur (Keep Fit Admin Officer) have organised numerous events around Kent to foster social interactions and improve women’s physical and mental wellbeing.
In addition to organising Teeyan, Daya and her team have also written books, such as ‘Saheli Kitchen,’ which celebrates culinary traditions and promotes healthy eating. They regularly run badminton, yoga, and social connection groups, reaching women throughout the UK. Through these activities, KSG connects women in need with others in the community to improve their access to resources, knowledge, and social support. Daya’s positive and empathetic approach to women’s needs has allowed her to support women who do not fit into mainstream services.
The Annual Kent Saheli Group Teeyan festival concluded with a traditional Giddha performance by the Kent Saheli Group team. Due to popular demand, the Kent Saheli Group will also present the Teeyan festival in Dartford, Kent, at Central Park Open Air Theatre on Sunday 18 August 2024. Many women expressed their gratitude for being able to come together, celebrate each other and form supportive friendships.
