BY DEEPINDER SINGH
YUBA CITY, CA – Nearly 100,000 people from all over the U.S gathered at Sikh Temple Tiara Buena to participate in the 37th Annual Sikh Parade here to mark the 308th Coronation Day of Guru Granth Sahib on Nov. 6. This is the biggest Sikh event in the U.S. The Nagar Kirtan or Sikh religious procession was the culmination of the...
YUBA CITY, CA – Nearly 100,000 people from all over the U.S gathered at Sikh Temple Tiara Buena to participate in the 37th Annual Sikh Parade here to mark the 308th Coronation Day of Guru Granth Sahib on Nov. 6. This is the biggest Sikh event in the U.S. The Nagar Kirtan or Sikh religious procession was the culmination of the...
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three- day event. The four and a half mile parade started from the Gurdwara Tierra Buena at 11 am, wound its way through the roads of the city and finally returned back in over six hours. The main float carrying Guru Granth Sahib was beautifully ornamented and designed with exceptional detail. It was escorted by Panj Pyaras, the five beloved ones, who were carrying the Khalsa flag. Tens of thousands of people were following the float on foot, creating a sea of vibrant color. A helicopter hovered over the devotees, singing the praises of Almighty God and showered petals of flowers on them.
The main float was followed by 20 other floats that represented themes from Sikh history, culture and traditions. Sikh martial art form ‘Gatka’, which uses spiritual, mental and physical defense skills, was showcased during the parade.
Before the launch of the parade, state and local officials and community leaders addressed the congregation in the main hall of the Gurdwara Sahib. Congressman John Garamendi in his address greeted the community and lauded their contributions to American society. The city and county, in a proclamation, declared the whole week as ‘Coronation of Guru Granth Sahib Week.’
Nearly 100 food stalls lined the parade route and different types of food including pakoras, tikki, corn, kari-chawal, makk-di- roti and saag and many others were served.
A stall offered fresh orange juice to the attending guests. The crowd’s favorite was fresh sugar cane juice with thousands lining up for it. Nearly 400,000 free meals were served during the three days to the attendees.
Over 180 vendors had put up the booths to sell goods and this bazaar extended across 4-5 acres.
Earlier on November 4, Coronation Day events were formally inaugurated with Kirtan. In the evening, fireworks were displayed. On Nov. 5, raising of Khalsa Flag ceremony, the Nishan Sahib, was performed. The gathered congregation did Kirtan on that day starting from 6 pm until midnight. At night, the whole area was lit spectacularly by nearly 2 million small LED bulbs.
Gurjatinder Singh Randhawa of Sikh Society of California, Yuba City, while talking to IJ said it was amazing to see the desire of the Sikh congregation to serve others. He said, “this year more American friends” joined the parade.
The main float was followed by 20 other floats that represented themes from Sikh history, culture and traditions. Sikh martial art form ‘Gatka’, which uses spiritual, mental and physical defense skills, was showcased during the parade.
Before the launch of the parade, state and local officials and community leaders addressed the congregation in the main hall of the Gurdwara Sahib. Congressman John Garamendi in his address greeted the community and lauded their contributions to American society. The city and county, in a proclamation, declared the whole week as ‘Coronation of Guru Granth Sahib Week.’
Nearly 100 food stalls lined the parade route and different types of food including pakoras, tikki, corn, kari-chawal, makk-di- roti and saag and many others were served.
A stall offered fresh orange juice to the attending guests. The crowd’s favorite was fresh sugar cane juice with thousands lining up for it. Nearly 400,000 free meals were served during the three days to the attendees.
Over 180 vendors had put up the booths to sell goods and this bazaar extended across 4-5 acres.
Earlier on November 4, Coronation Day events were formally inaugurated with Kirtan. In the evening, fireworks were displayed. On Nov. 5, raising of Khalsa Flag ceremony, the Nishan Sahib, was performed. The gathered congregation did Kirtan on that day starting from 6 pm until midnight. At night, the whole area was lit spectacularly by nearly 2 million small LED bulbs.
Gurjatinder Singh Randhawa of Sikh Society of California, Yuba City, while talking to IJ said it was amazing to see the desire of the Sikh congregation to serve others. He said, “this year more American friends” joined the parade.
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