Largest Sikh celebration in Valley

SACRAMENTO: The largest Vaisaki festival in the Central Valley was again successfully organized by the Sacramento Gurdwara. Held at the Florin Mall Hall in Sacramento on Saturday April 19 the packed hall event was beyond standing room only” with the crowd lined up outside the hall So exciting and entertaining were the performances one believed that the performers professionals and the Vaisaki happening in the Punjab. The folk songs, Gidhas, Bhangra, Skits, and speeches, were punctuated by resounding applause from the appreciative audience.

Beginning with Jaikaras Balo So Nihal then teams them of Khalsa Deh Shiva Var Mohen Shubh Karman SA Kabho an Na Taron” was sung. Dr. N.S. Dhaliwal gave brief history of Vaisaki and his introduction, then, he handed the microphone to Bakhshish S. Banwait whose I years as master of ceremonies was apparent in the smooth performance of his duties.

The famous folk singers, Jagat S Jagga and Punam Khaura sang and local politicians, Sacramento Mayor Ann Ruud in and Assemblyman Bill Auchincloss spoke of heir support of the Sikh community. A special poem: “Shaheed Di Mot was read by Dr HS Shergill.

It must be noted that the event as so successful that next year larger hall will be required

The community is gratified that the Gurdwara of Sacramento has performed such a service for the valley, organizing committee: Dr. NS. Dhalival In-charge, Bib Nina Bagea, Vice-in-charge, the special subcommittee S. Manjit S. Ahuja In-charge, S. Darshan S.Mundi, Vice-in-charge and the many hardworking members of their committees. The board of the Gurdwara S. Pargan Singh, Chairman, Jagat S. Rye, Presi dent, Bakhshish S. Banwaiit, Secretary General, S. Sarban Singh, Treasurer and the many patrons and trustees are thanked for their support.

The performers and their directors showed what weeks of practice could accomplish Participants and their programs wore form throughout the valley. and included: Dev Shiva Ver Mohe by Sunday School Students, Dance by Aman, Dance by Sharan & Susi, Poom by Dr. Harbhajan Singh Shergill, Little Angels Gidha directed by Balvinder Hansra & Baljit Bal, Junior Boys Bhangra Directed Manpal Sungi Dhaliwal, Song by Poonam Kaura, Dance by Jasmeet & Gurbecr, Song by Parminder Ra, Teenage Girls Gidha Directed by Ranbir Dalival, Long Guacha Dance by Sunny & Anupeest Bal, Skit “Man Ja” by Manjit Sibia,

“Teenage Boys Bhangra Directed by Kubir Singh, Fok Dance by Junior Girls Directed by Neena Baggs, Bhangra Sensation Directed by Shergill Sisters, Nanchang De Shaukeen By Jasvinder & Group, Song By Nina Bagga. Dance By Pawan deep Bains. Gidha Jhatkian Directed by Manjit Sia & Dalbir Sudan, Folk Song by Jagat Singh Jogga, Bhangra Sensations Directed by Shergill listers, Punjabi folk dance by Pyara Singh, Men’s Bhangra Directed by Harbaksh Mangat.

Trophies, provided by Dr N S. Dhalival were awarded do the most exciting young panic pants of Bhangra & Gidha, and also were given to Rashpal S. Bagga and Surjit Kaur Bages Ravan Dhaliwal was given the trophy for best Sewarder of the Gurdwara. Many others were variously awarded trophies for their talent and participation.

Free refreshments were provided by Khalsa Fabrics Plus and the Celebration was most professionally stage managed by Bakhshish S Bunwait. Thanks also to those dignitaries and media who supported this event.

This Vaisaki is dedicated who the Khalsa Martyrs who have fought and died for their beliefs. It’s a sad fact that Sikhs can celebrate Vaisaki in every land except one. We look forward to that day when Vaisaki can be freely celebrated in Punjab.