Thousand of Sikhs were gathered at the  iconic Times Square in New York to celebrate the New york's turban day and Vaisakhi festival. The community members also educate fellow Americans about the Sikh religion in wake of  growing incidents of hate crimes.

The one of the largest such celebration in the United States was addressed by the legendary Indian sportsman Milkha Singh.

PTI reported that, 'Flying Sikh' Singh said that, "Today if the Sikhs have a name, are known around the world, it is because of the turban. Milkha Singh is called a 'Flying Sikh' because I have the turban on my head and the beard on my face. My beard and turban are the reasons for the respect and recognition that I have across the world."

The event organizers,  Chanpreet Singh, Bobby Sidana, Kawaldeep Sahni and Gurmeet Sodhi and Non-profit organisation Sikhs of New York and New Jersey, said that, the event aimed to educate the fellow Americans and tourists about the Sikh religion and culture, as well as to celebrate the Vaisakhi festival.

Milkha Singh said that, "People here should know that Sikhs are warriors, they have fought for other people and will do everything to help others. The event will inspire people here and educate them about the Sikh culture, they will get to know who Sikhs are."

Also read: Indian-American Yale student earned Soros Fellowships

Nandini