SACRAMENTO: The Sikh temple Sacramento celebrated 5th annual Baisakhi festival on May 4, 1990 in a beautifully decorated Jose Rizal community hall located at Florin Mall Drive. The hall was packed to capacity. The program was initiated with the national anthem of United States of America and the Sikhs National Anthem Deh Shiva Ber Mohe Ehe. This was followed by gidda (folk dance) by “little Anga”. Beautiful costumes, dancing in perfect rhythm won the hearts of the audience.

Then the master of ceremonies Mr. Bakshish Singh Banwait called upon the world known folk singer Jagat Singh Jagea and now a top female voice of Sacramento Poonam Kaura to presenta duet song. But since Jaga was trying to project his old image with his typical kirtan and chadar costumes, Poonam presented a solo song, which was highly appreciated by the people. Soon after Jagat and Poonam Presented a lifting duet song, Jagga won acclaim with his world known item of Mirza. Next item was presented by Nina Bagga. She sang a song which was highly applauded by the audience. Mrs. Bagga was one of the brains behind his show.

Then teenage girls performed Gidda. This item of the program highly impressed the gathering.

Then came the turn of sangeet group. This group was dressed in charming costumes. Their excellent presentation and well-rehearsed songs had a spell binding effect on the gathering. Their masterly art created a ever lasting impact on the people.

Ladies gidda was an item which thrilled the audience. A young Sikh Bhangra club, directed by Shergill sisters of Stockton was the master piece of the evening.

Mr. Bainwait complimented Dr. Harbhajan Singh Shergill and all members of the family for their contribution in the promotion of Punjab’s art and culture in this part of the world.

The last item of evening Bhangra performance by the Sangeet group. ‘The people were heard saying that this was the real Bhangra performed in United States for the first time. It created an atmosphere of Punjab’s Baisakhi on the Sacramento stage. The credit for providing an excellent performance goes to S. Lal Singh Bhatti who was a known Dholak master of Lyallpur Khalsa College Jalandhar for many years.

In the end the management committee president S. Jagat Singh Rye presented trophies to the artists. These trophies were donated by Dr. Dhaliwal. In the end the audience guests and artists were entertained with dinner arranged by Khalsa Fabrics Plus.

The World Sikh News congratulates the management committee and other dedicated workers for arranging an excellent program on this 5th Baisakhi night.

Article extracted from this publication >> May 11, 1990