Your Child Has Something to Say This Summer. Let's Help Them Say It.
The SikhNet Creative Competition 2026 Is Now Open
Every parent wants their child to stay connected to Sikhi.
We bring them to Gurdwara Sahib. We share stories about the Gurus, encourage seva, teach Gurbani, and celebrate Gurpurabs together because we hope those experiences stay with them for life.
This summer, SikhNet invites children and youth around the world to take the next step on that journey.
The SikhNet Creative Competition 2026 is now open, and this year's theme is Daya (Compassion).
Children and youth ages 5 to 19 are invited to express what compassion means to them through writing, drawing, painting, photography, filmmaking, music, spoken word, animation, and more.
Yes, there are prizes, participation gifts, and the opportunity to be featured on SikhNet. But the greatest value of this competition isn't what children win. It's what they discover while creating.
Start with a Conversation
Before your child begins their project, spend a few minutes talking together.
Ask questions like:
- What does compassion mean to you?
- Can you remember a time when someone showed you unexpected kindness?
- Have you ever seen someone being left out?
- Is there someone you find difficult to be kind to?
- How would you explain Daya to a friend?
You may be surprised by their answers.
Sometimes children understand these values more deeply than we realize. Those conversations are already a success, whether or not they receive a prize.
Creativity Has Always Been Part of Sikhi
Throughout Sikh history, stories, poetry, music, and art have helped preserve and share our values.
When a child writes a poem, paints a picture inspired by Bhai Kanhaiya Ji, creates a short film, or composes a song about compassion, they are carrying that tradition forward in their own voice.
Why Daya?
Compassion feels especially important today.
Children are growing up in a world where they see loneliness, exclusion, and conflict every day, both online and in person.
Daya teaches them to notice those who are hurting, choose understanding over judgment, and stand beside those who need support. These are values they can carry into every part of their lives.
Encourage the Process
As your child creates, remember a few simple things.
Let the ideas come from them.
Don't worry about perfection. Honest, heartfelt work is always more meaningful than something polished.
Most importantly, enjoy the experience together. The conversations you have may become the most valuable part of the entire competition.
Join Us This Summer
The SikhNet Creative Competition is open July 1 through August 15, 2026.
Children and youth ages 5 to 19 can participate.
Every participant will receive a digital certificate, a SikhNet storybook, and a SikhNet coloring book. Winners in each age group and category will receive cash prizes, and selected entries may be featured on SikhNet.
We hope you'll encourage your child to share their creativity, reflect on the meaning of Daya, and let their voice be heard.
We can't wait to see what they create.
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.
The SikhNet Stories Team