NORWALK, CA: The Punjabi community of Southern California celebrated the festival of Vaisakhi, the birthday of “Khalsa” by presenting a memorable and enjoyable cultural program of songs, dances, humor, Bhangra and Gidha at the Excelsior Auditorium here on April 22, Approximately 2,000 people attended.
In opening the show Gurpal Singh Khaira the master of ceremonies stated that the creation of khalsa by Guru Gobind Singhjion Vaisakhi day 290 years ago changed the history of India and set the stage of freeing Panjab from foreign domination.
The sacrifices of the Sikh Gurus and the Khalsa in defending the human rights haye no parallel in the history of the world, he said Khaira added that the purpose of holding cultural programs is to promote Punjabi culture and encourage young Punjabi artists.
About 50 children sung the Shabad Deh Shiva Var Moh Eh Hai at the start of the program, after which a team of six young boys presented a number of solo, duet and group folk songs. This was directed by Dr. Rani Dargan.
Permjit Pammi, Ravi Randhawa, Hardev Sandhu, Jaswinder Shinda and Charan Anjan sang a stirring songda Jao Jinnhe Nachna Khand a Di Dhar Te.”
They also sung songs like Kuri Haan Desi, Gulabi Chunni Malmal Di, Sadda Dil Chura Ke Le Giya,” Aao Ni Kurio Le Lo SuTama.
A thrilling dance performance by 14 kids to the tune of “Nach Mundya Nach Ke Vikha followed.”
Two sisters Nitsha Sahni and Mitra Sahni, gave a dance performance to the tune of Mehndi Giddha Vich Nachdi and Dil Ka Mamila Hai.
Ravi Mann danced to the tune of “Bhabi Han De Munde Nal Akh Lag Gai, a song depicting love and friendship of a nanan (brother’s sister) and bharjai (brother’s wife).
Bindu, Bobby, Bittu, Ravi, Raman, Sippy Sonia, Aman, Bobby, Peter, Ray and Sumar, all young boys and girls, performed a group dance.
Tu Gujar Di Chori, Te Mai Punjab Da Jat a folk dance by two sisters Simoina Dargon (8), as a cute Gujrati Girl and Roina Dargon (13) asa Punjabi Lad kept the audience spellbound.
Bhangra a male dance was performed by six young girls, Suman, Smita, Leena, Amish, Arbind, and Sippy, whose vitality and acrobatics left the audience spellbound.
Giddha the female dance was performed by 10 young girls Parminder, Sukhi, Binder, Raman, Neera, Tarvinder, Ravi Balbir, Arbinder and Sippy. It was organized by Malkeet Mann and the orchestra was directed by Saundagar Singh.
Jassi had everyone in splits with his demonstrations of various types of laughter and snoring.
Gurpal Singh Khaira and Gurdial Singh Randhawa were masters of ceremonies.
The program was organized by Dr. Jasbir Singh Mann and committee members Bikram Ghuman and Malkeet K. Mann. The artists were honored by presenting a trophy to each participant at a very warm and enjoyable reception heId at the residence of doctors Satinder and Jasbir Mann on Sunday April 23.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 5, 1989
