LOS ANGELES , CA : The 2010 Baisakhi Celebrations at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Sunday, April 4, conducted by Sikh groups from all over Southern California concluded on a high note with a magnificent procession. Leading the spectacle was splendidly decorated float carrying Siri Guru Granth Sahib followed by others depicting events relating to the Sikh religion through the centuries after its birth in 1699. The Nagar Keertan ,as the parade is called, was organized by Gurdip Singh Malik and Joginder Singh Sidhu and conducted with the cooperation of all Sikh Temples strewn across the Southland. The cavalcade was accompanied through its approximately two mile route by thousands of chanting Sikhs while those not quite fit for the task chose to remain behind at the Convention Center to welcome the marchers when they returned. Waiting for the tired but happy convoy of floats and marchers was a grand feast to bring down the curtain on the joyous event.
Earlier in the afternoon, after a sumptuous lunch in the langar following the Keertan Darbar, crowds gathered at the front of the Convention Center eagerly awaiting the arrival of Siri Guru Granth Sahib to be placed on the lead float. While they did this they were able to witness a Gatka show of traditional Sikh martial art using several weapons. At the conclusion of every routine the huge crowd circling the spot where the display was in progress broke into spontaneous cheers of appreciation for the performing artistes.
The beating of the drum announced the approach of Siri Guru Granth Sahib which was led to its float carried by temple officials under a colorful ceremonial umbrella. With great reverence, extreme care and devotion it was solemnly placed in a regal manner in its place . Along with the chanting of religious ‘ardaas’ it was then lovingly covered with a sacred wrap. This brought up a big cheer from the hundreds milling around the tastefully bedecked flower filled float. Just prior to the parade hitting the streets, Bhai Raghbir Singh heralded the ‘arambh’ of the journey with a solemn recital of a prayer and the Priest Charanjit Singh took the “Hukum Nama.” The start of the much anticipated procession was announced with a flurry of dhol beats by the drummer placed high in a vehicle guiding the entire convoy on its route . With Sikh soldiers in dramatic traditional costumes bearing swords and ensigns ahead of the float , the procession got on its way to cries of “Satnam Waheguru.” .
Once the lead float was on its way the remaining followed at safe distances at a gentle pace which also gave passers by and visitors to the area an opportunity to get a glimpse of the Sikh culture through the music emerging from the revelers and the colorful slogans , banners and displays which had vivid pictorials of events of historical events. There were also smaller groups in the procession carrying banners of their respective organizations. Slogans appeared on all the floats with religious messages such as “ God is Self Existent , God is without Enemies, There is only 1 God ” etc. .” Some of the units carried pictures of the Golden Temple and martyrs who had given their lives for the Sikh cause. Many carried a full contingent of keertan performers, singing live to the accompaniment of harmoniums and tablas.
The Guru Nanak Children’s Academy , Sikh Center of Orange County float had a ‘go green’ theme with several globes and flowers. Gurdwara Canoga Park’s contained depictions of baptism in Sikh history and the vehicle of the Sikh Gurdwara , Alhambra proclaimed “ God is Self Existent.” Khalsa Care Foundation’s contribution proclaimed the 3 principles of Sikhism, namely, Earning a Livelihood, Meditation on God’s name and to Share and Care. The message on the Sikh Gurdwara Riverside Float implored viewers not to forget the events of 1984 and the one of Gurdwara Sahib of Walnut showed Bhai Kanahiyaji , a disciple of Guru Gobind Singh serving water and giving first aid to friend and foe alike. The Sikh Students Association message emphasized the importance of education as it displayed Guru Nanak’s quote “ When you reflect upon knowledge, then others Gain.” The longest double unit float filled with happy revelers belonged to the Sikh Dharma of Southern California and the Guru Ramdas Ashram . A call for saving the planet made by a contingent on foot , the Sikhs for Clean Environment while another , the Ujjaldidar Singh Memorial Foundation sought to spread love.
The architect of all the floats, Joginder Singh Sidhu told India Journal that putting them together took almost 2 months with the assistance of over a hundred willing volunteers. He has been designing them from the time they were first introduced into the celebrations in 1999 with a group of 5 units.
with thanks : source : http://www.indiajournal.com/pages/event.php?id=10562
SikhsIndia
www.sohnijodi.com
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com
www.RWABhagidari.blogspot.com
Earlier in the afternoon, after a sumptuous lunch in the langar following the Keertan Darbar, crowds gathered at the front of the Convention Center eagerly awaiting the arrival of Siri Guru Granth Sahib to be placed on the lead float. While they did this they were able to witness a Gatka show of traditional Sikh martial art using several weapons. At the conclusion of every routine the huge crowd circling the spot where the display was in progress broke into spontaneous cheers of appreciation for the performing artistes.
The beating of the drum announced the approach of Siri Guru Granth Sahib which was led to its float carried by temple officials under a colorful ceremonial umbrella. With great reverence, extreme care and devotion it was solemnly placed in a regal manner in its place . Along with the chanting of religious ‘ardaas’ it was then lovingly covered with a sacred wrap. This brought up a big cheer from the hundreds milling around the tastefully bedecked flower filled float. Just prior to the parade hitting the streets, Bhai Raghbir Singh heralded the ‘arambh’ of the journey with a solemn recital of a prayer and the Priest Charanjit Singh took the “Hukum Nama.” The start of the much anticipated procession was announced with a flurry of dhol beats by the drummer placed high in a vehicle guiding the entire convoy on its route . With Sikh soldiers in dramatic traditional costumes bearing swords and ensigns ahead of the float , the procession got on its way to cries of “Satnam Waheguru.” .
Once the lead float was on its way the remaining followed at safe distances at a gentle pace which also gave passers by and visitors to the area an opportunity to get a glimpse of the Sikh culture through the music emerging from the revelers and the colorful slogans , banners and displays which had vivid pictorials of events of historical events. There were also smaller groups in the procession carrying banners of their respective organizations. Slogans appeared on all the floats with religious messages such as “ God is Self Existent , God is without Enemies, There is only 1 God ” etc. .” Some of the units carried pictures of the Golden Temple and martyrs who had given their lives for the Sikh cause. Many carried a full contingent of keertan performers, singing live to the accompaniment of harmoniums and tablas.
The Guru Nanak Children’s Academy , Sikh Center of Orange County float had a ‘go green’ theme with several globes and flowers. Gurdwara Canoga Park’s contained depictions of baptism in Sikh history and the vehicle of the Sikh Gurdwara , Alhambra proclaimed “ God is Self Existent.” Khalsa Care Foundation’s contribution proclaimed the 3 principles of Sikhism, namely, Earning a Livelihood, Meditation on God’s name and to Share and Care. The message on the Sikh Gurdwara Riverside Float implored viewers not to forget the events of 1984 and the one of Gurdwara Sahib of Walnut showed Bhai Kanahiyaji , a disciple of Guru Gobind Singh serving water and giving first aid to friend and foe alike. The Sikh Students Association message emphasized the importance of education as it displayed Guru Nanak’s quote “ When you reflect upon knowledge, then others Gain.” The longest double unit float filled with happy revelers belonged to the Sikh Dharma of Southern California and the Guru Ramdas Ashram . A call for saving the planet made by a contingent on foot , the Sikhs for Clean Environment while another , the Ujjaldidar Singh Memorial Foundation sought to spread love.
The architect of all the floats, Joginder Singh Sidhu told India Journal that putting them together took almost 2 months with the assistance of over a hundred willing volunteers. He has been designing them from the time they were first introduced into the celebrations in 1999 with a group of 5 units.
with thanks : source : http://www.indiajournal.com/pages/event.php?id=10562
SikhsIndia
www.sohnijodi.com
www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com
www.RWABhagidari.blogspot.com
