BY DEVIKA C.MEHTA
POMONA, CA - ‘Darbar-E-Khalsa’ means ‘gathering of the pure ones’ and for the Sikh community is an occasion to cherish. True to its meaning, on Dec. 25, devotion and grandeur came to life with thousands congregating at the annual ‘Darbar-E-Khalsa’ here, at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds, to celebrate the 350th birth anniversary...
POMONA, CA - ‘Darbar-E-Khalsa’ means ‘gathering of the pure ones’ and for the Sikh community is an occasion to cherish. True to its meaning, on Dec. 25, devotion and grandeur came to life with thousands congregating at the annual ‘Darbar-E-Khalsa’ here, at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds, to celebrate the 350th birth anniversary...
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of the last of the 10 Sikh gurus, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The event was hosted by the International Institute of Gurmat Studies from 7 AM to 4 PM with the support and cooperation of all the Sikh Gurdwaras and organizations of Southern California.
It was a sight to behold - a sea of turbans and duppatta covered heads with happy faces and devotion in their hearts occupied every inch of space making clear that the Sikh Panth of Khalsa is alive and prospering.
Every year the occasion has become a beautiful tradition for thousands of families and friends who come together from across the state to seek Guru Sahib’s blessings. This year, the celebrations involved an unparalleled mix of reverence, pomp, punctuality, prayers, chants, feasting, recreation and a ceremonial send-off of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji by helicopter.
All the arrangements clearly showed the devotion and team spirit of the Sikh community. A langar area displaying delicious food items was buzzing with families who were treated to free food and happy mingling. Meals included jalebis, sandwiches, samosas, bhajias, chhole bhature, dosas, and a variety of sweets. Several stalls showcasing Sikh art, clothing, religious artifacts, books, jewelry, audio-videos, paintings and pictures were set up for sale purposes.
The main hall was packed with devotees who paid their respects to Sikhism’s spiritual guide, Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and listened to the Shabad Kirtan performed by various groups, gurdwaras, and individuals highlighting the principles and inspirations of the tenth Guru. The keynote speaker Dr. Jaswant Singh Sachdev from Phoenix laid emphasis on the guiding principles of Sikhism that are necessary to be instilled in the youth of tomorrow. He mentioned that ‘Khalsa Panth is the only divine path and one who follows it finds greater significance in life.’
The teaching of ‘recognizing all mankind as one’ was imparted to followers. Several performances by veterans, youth and kids from different institutions and SoCal Gurdwaras made it an ideal venue for Sikhs from all over to connect with each other and celebrate community and togetherness. Five prominent Jathas of Southern California, Bhai Raghbir Singh (Gurdwara Walnut), Bhai Jaswant Singh (Sikh Education, Inland Empire), Bhai Varinder Singh (Khalsa Care Foundation), Bhai Surdeep Singh, and Professor Ranjit Singh (Bhai Mardana Academy) jointly performed Keertan. Gurdwaras from Apple Valley, Rosemead, Alhambra, Santa Ana, Buena Park, Nanak Sadan, Bakersfield and Walnut also participated in the Darbar-e-Khalsa event. Upon conclusion, a swarm of people chanting “Waheguru, Waheguru” walked behind the procession (including Nagaara, Panj Pyaras, Gatka players and golden palki) carrying Guru Granth Sahib Ji to a helicopter specially chartered to fly the holy scripture back. In a scene to watch and record, thousands send off their respected Guru with thunderous jaikaras, smiling faces and a promise to follow the guiding principles of Sikhism. The founder of the Khalsa and tenth and last living Sikh Guru Gobind Singh Ji is credited as the one who elevated Sikhism to a formal religion. The event fittingly commemorated Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s contributions to the faith and the impact of his teachings on the global community of Sikhs today. In their vote of thanks, IIGS members congratulated the congregation for the overwhelming participation. IIGS was founded in 1955 by Captain Kanwar Harbhajan Singh and offers many social activities and projects dedicated to the advancement and preservation of Sikhism.
It was a sight to behold - a sea of turbans and duppatta covered heads with happy faces and devotion in their hearts occupied every inch of space making clear that the Sikh Panth of Khalsa is alive and prospering.
Every year the occasion has become a beautiful tradition for thousands of families and friends who come together from across the state to seek Guru Sahib’s blessings. This year, the celebrations involved an unparalleled mix of reverence, pomp, punctuality, prayers, chants, feasting, recreation and a ceremonial send-off of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji by helicopter.
All the arrangements clearly showed the devotion and team spirit of the Sikh community. A langar area displaying delicious food items was buzzing with families who were treated to free food and happy mingling. Meals included jalebis, sandwiches, samosas, bhajias, chhole bhature, dosas, and a variety of sweets. Several stalls showcasing Sikh art, clothing, religious artifacts, books, jewelry, audio-videos, paintings and pictures were set up for sale purposes.
The main hall was packed with devotees who paid their respects to Sikhism’s spiritual guide, Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and listened to the Shabad Kirtan performed by various groups, gurdwaras, and individuals highlighting the principles and inspirations of the tenth Guru. The keynote speaker Dr. Jaswant Singh Sachdev from Phoenix laid emphasis on the guiding principles of Sikhism that are necessary to be instilled in the youth of tomorrow. He mentioned that ‘Khalsa Panth is the only divine path and one who follows it finds greater significance in life.’
The teaching of ‘recognizing all mankind as one’ was imparted to followers. Several performances by veterans, youth and kids from different institutions and SoCal Gurdwaras made it an ideal venue for Sikhs from all over to connect with each other and celebrate community and togetherness. Five prominent Jathas of Southern California, Bhai Raghbir Singh (Gurdwara Walnut), Bhai Jaswant Singh (Sikh Education, Inland Empire), Bhai Varinder Singh (Khalsa Care Foundation), Bhai Surdeep Singh, and Professor Ranjit Singh (Bhai Mardana Academy) jointly performed Keertan. Gurdwaras from Apple Valley, Rosemead, Alhambra, Santa Ana, Buena Park, Nanak Sadan, Bakersfield and Walnut also participated in the Darbar-e-Khalsa event. Upon conclusion, a swarm of people chanting “Waheguru, Waheguru” walked behind the procession (including Nagaara, Panj Pyaras, Gatka players and golden palki) carrying Guru Granth Sahib Ji to a helicopter specially chartered to fly the holy scripture back. In a scene to watch and record, thousands send off their respected Guru with thunderous jaikaras, smiling faces and a promise to follow the guiding principles of Sikhism. The founder of the Khalsa and tenth and last living Sikh Guru Gobind Singh Ji is credited as the one who elevated Sikhism to a formal religion. The event fittingly commemorated Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s contributions to the faith and the impact of his teachings on the global community of Sikhs today. In their vote of thanks, IIGS members congratulated the congregation for the overwhelming participation. IIGS was founded in 1955 by Captain Kanwar Harbhajan Singh and offers many social activities and projects dedicated to the advancement and preservation of Sikhism.
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