Tens of thousands of people descended on Yuba City on Sunday, brightening up Tierra Buena and Butte House roads with their colorful attire, for the 34th annual Nagar Kirtan and Sikh Parade.
Mandeep Bassi-Sandhu, 27, who described herself as a proud Sikh, said she has been coming to the event with her family her entire life.
Arriving 31⁄2 hours early paid off for the Elk Grove resident, who was able to watch the Guru Granth Sahib, or Sikh holy scriptures, go by in the main float while sitting on the rear-bumper of her vehicle.
"Every time I go to India I don't see this much culture," Bassi-Sandhu said. "India is really here in Yuba City."
The Guru Granth Sahib remained covered during the parade, which saw people stacked up 10 people deep in places near the temple on a blustery autumn day.
An estimated 80,000 people attended the parade according to Tejinder Dosanjh, a spokesman for the Sikh Temple.
Dosanjh said he was surprised how many people walked with the float the entire parade route.
Friends Rajinder Kaur, 39, and Dimple Bajwa, 31, both of Sacramento, said the event is a great way to reconnect.
The two hadn't seen each other in about eight months.
Kaur noted that she also enjoys coming to the event to sample the wide variety of free food handed out at numerous locations throughout the parade route.
"This event reminds us of our culture and traditions," Bajwa said. "We celebrate this like you celebrate Christmas. It is our God's birthday."
Before his death in 1708, Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th guru, gave Sikhs the Guru Granth Sahib, or Sikh holy scripture.
"The Guru Granth Sahib is our Guru and our teacher," Dosanjh said.
The holy book teaches about peace, human equality and helping the needy, he said.
"It was a great day and a great event," Dosanjh said. "Everybody was blessed with peace and happiness."
CONTACT David Bitton at 749-4796. Find him on Facebook at /ADdbitton or on Twitter at @ADdbitton.
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