Over 15,000 Sikhs thronged the Gurdwara Sahib Tirra Buena. The sea of multicolored turbans when out formed a procession a mile and half long.
The procession started after a helicopter showered rose petals on the decorated float bearing the Guru Granth Sahib. The Panj Pia Tas at the head with unsheathed Kirpans were followed by young girls carrying Nishan Sahibs. S. Didar Singh Bains walked alongside the Guru Granth Sahib bare footed.
The second float was a beautifully crafted replica of the Golden Temple. It was made by S. Swaran Singh. It was possibly at the most photographed float.
The next two floats were of the Gurdwaras of Yuba City and Grid ley, Live Oak. Most floats had people singing kirtans on them. ‘Khalistan: zindabad’ and ‘Raj Kareja Khalsa’ slogans were often heard in full throated choruses
ikh students Association U.C. Berkeley, Sacramento and Stock ton Gurdwaras, Sangat of San Joaquin, ShanePunjab and Sangeet groups, Khalsa Diwan Society of Vancouver, Sacra mento Sikh Society, Pacific Coast Khalsa Diwan Society, Gurdwa ras of Livingston, Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Slema, San Jose, El Sobrante, Fremont, Sikh Society of Seattle, Sikh Dharma all had floats and big contingents singing Kirtans. There was a float of the Akhand Kirtani Jatha also.
The route of the procession was lined with the local People some curious and some knowing. An Old lady was heard to remark “isn’t it remarkable so many People to gather in such harmony. This is the fifth year I am seeing this parade and every year it gets bigger and better.”
Stockton was well represented with the teenagers of Punjab Hawks Sports Club dressed in red lustily raising slogans. The Pacific Chief Khalsa Diwan Society and the Silch Youth of America floats brought up the rear of the procession. There was enthusiastic encouragement from the local people who cheered as the procession passed them.
Article extracted from this publication >> November 10, 1989
