Dear editor,
Parades processions and even prost marches are often a gathering of like-minded und took alike similar race of religion) people to demonstrate their solidarity for a common cause Seventh annual Sikh day parade in New York on April 30, 1994 conveyed similar idea i.e. the Sikh in one God supremacy of Akal Takhat institution of Panj Piaras and Amrit Sanchar and of course ultimate political overtone the achievement of Sikh homeland Khalistan The Sikhs do want political power but only after spiritual rejuvenation.
More than 15000 Sikhs participated
The parade which should be appropriately called a Vaisakhi Mela Buses full of Sikhs came from as far away as Chicago New Jersey Boston North Carolina and Washington Metro area to Now York also known as the Big Apple.
The Sikh day parade in New York What en exciting place New York the word conjures up strikingly contrasting images of fun and fraud crowd and crime traffic and pollution and glamour and graphic. Somehow i have had a very romantic image of New York either in my mind from childhood. An aura of grandeur pervades the picture perfect sight of sky Scrapers wrapped in translucent mist standing tall and elegantly by the bank of the river with their tapering peaks pointing upwards. The ambiance and beauty defies description. Magic of New York has captivated and charmed many a heart. However the ravishing beasty of architectural perfection vanishes in an instant as one enters Lincoln tunnel. As one advarices at a Snails peace due to traffic congestion one begins to wonder if it is Manhattan or Chandi Chowk-Delhi Broadway Street sure reminded me of Chaura bazar of Ludhiana. It is literally impossible to go to New York and not cognizance of the fact that the New Yorkers are by birth gifted artists Cast a glance anywhere and you will see gratify at its No window shutter door bill board or available surface is Ieft untouched. Now only if they had used canvas as base lam positive that their hard to comprehend modern art techniques and intricate patterns would have put the best of Picasso to shame i lament the fact that their artistic Skills are not honed and appreciated. The it contribution to economy particularly to spray paint industry is grossly undermined. Rather the ungrateful American should thank them for their innovative ideas and subtlety in style for painting a nation in disarray. i would like to suggest wo State Department that ensure their safety it must stamp the passports of New Yorkers with Not valid for travel to Singapore.
Mostly the weather is cold foggy and humid in New York. But surprisingly the day of the parade it was warm and sunny unlike New Yorkers themselves Excessive cold tends to freeze their feelings and hardens their emotions. The whole atmosphere was permeated with not so delicate aroma of pollution that Calvin Kicin Channel and a whole perfume industry put together cannot excel
The parade started on Madison Avenue with Sri Guru Granth Sahib in the lead. It was followed by a surge of Sikhs in colorful attire. Saffron was the color of the day there were several modest looking floats of Akal Takhat Panj Piaras Live and Let Live and of course of our rich cultural heritage of Godha and Bhangra.
These floats could have been presented better to convey the theme properly. In the float of Pan) Pizras in the back ground a bevy of teenage belles dressed in jeans was sitting. These floats were separated by many good bands played by Americans in Smart colorful outfits there was a group of robust men picturesquely dressed displaying traditional Sikh martial art of Gatka which caught attention of onlookers for their speed accuracy and skill Different jathas from various gurdwaras and organization were marching. One of them walkers in saffron sweatshirts with Proud to be a Sikh emboldened on them. One of the groups had each member Sikhs from Washington D.C. in black T-shirts with emblem of Khanda and message of proud to be a Sikh were more creative in their posters. Some of them read Sikhs believe in One God Sikhs are Saint Soldiers Sikhs love Nature they tied to convey the basics of Sikhism and if must Say so they did a commendable Job of it.
Well you can’t walk in a parade and NOL Say a thing. So while some of the groups were walking while singing Gurbani there were others who were missing their voice to shame the Indian Sovert and Khalistan Zindabad. Their hoarse voice were well received by mute walls of the empty buildings and silently walking police men behind them in order to Capture the attention of by Standers there were intermingled floats of vivacious young girls in bright liken cloth embellished with gold and silver performing Gidha dance A group of young boys in their shimmering Bhangani costumes were not far behind They danced in rhythm to the beat of loud music. An American onlooker was so swayed by the Sight that he started swinging like them
The parade culminated in a park without a blade of grass in it. All were treated with sumptuous hot lunch and Snacks One can say with profound Certainty that at no Sikh function can one ever go hungry. Thanks to the Organizers of the parade who even provided carry out dinners for the Outsiders which we enjoyed to our fill on our way back
In New York parade one always has a Secret hope of running into an old acquaintance and indulging in reminiscence It was like a meeting place for long lost friends. This gigantic gathering was full of distinguishable people. Every Sikh male with his distinctive beard mustache and individual style of turban has an unspeakable character and dignity which is. a Class in itself and is unmatched by any other male of other race or religion. I am always fascinated by the complexity of their styles. There were tall dashing men in overflowing blue coats kirpan dangling neatly tied beards and a ribbon adoring their turbans appeared to have stepped out pee from the pages of history from Vaisakhi of 1699 in Anand pur to Madisétt Avenue New York in 1904. As we travelled back home the amber light of the setting sun was spread against the sky like a newly weed bride in a crimson veil. And I had mixed feelings of ecstasy and agony. Amrit Kaur Chantilly VA
Article extracted from this publication >> May 20, 1994
