SELMA, CA: The weather was perfect; a California Classic! With sprawling grape vineyards in the backdrop, the serene atmosphere of this small city was echoed by the ‘Jaikaras of Bole So Nihal Sat Sri Akal on April 13th. The occasion was to celebrate historic Vaisakhi day; the birth of Khalsa, and another history was already in the making When more than 2,000 Sikhs from adjoining areas assembled in a show of unity to join ‘Jaloose’ parade, They came from far off areas like Los Angeles and Bay Abreact., not minding the distance they travelled, but happy to be part of the festivities, the memories of which took them thousands of miles away to their country of birth Punjab; home of Sikhs.
‘Making this an historic day was that it was the first parade organized jointly by five gurdwaras of central California based in San Joaquin, Caruthers, Fresno and of course in Selma. There were no self-fulfilling designations headed like Guru Da Das, Sewak or Guru Ghar Dee Dar Da Kula etc., only volunteers busy serving in the best way ever Sen. Exemplary show of discipline was lauded by Selma Police. A police officer asked whether there was disturbance or littering around the four mile long path of parade, he remarked “no problems and the road. Appears cleaner than before the parade.
Led by Guru Granth Sahib escorted by barefooted Panj Piaras, the procession covered almost 4 miles, “it didn’t seem that long,”
Said Jeet Singh of Dinuba. “Good exercise like this will keep your heart healthy,” said Fresno Cardiologist Dr. Harsharan Singh Chann.
People from all walks of life, young, adult, seniors, and infants were equally excited to pay respect to the Sikhs of Khalsa. To. Teenagers, the gathering provided an opportunity to mingle with each other and stuff their mammies with sweets distributed liberally. The inherent desire of Sikhs 10 serve was fulfilled when lots of them volunteered to serve soda, water land fruits to the parade enthusiasts. Volunteers also carried garbage bags to collect litter. The main attraction of the event was the display of ‘Gatka’ a Sikh martial art. Sikh youths displayed various maneuvers of defense when attacked. The display of ‘Chakar” was impressive and caught the curious eyes of local ‘TV and newspaper cameras. The parade attracted various newspapers and TV personnel to cover the event. The excerpts from the event were widely covered on T.V.’s evening news, and Sunday editions of local newspapers.
To carry the sword is one of the five symbols of Amritdhari Sikhs. California Sikhs have been angry ‘over Gov, Wilson’s veto of bill allowing Sikh students to bear swords on school campus. Sikhs feel the veto was an infringement on their religious beliefs, “Sword is a Sikh symbol, Pete Wilson you have to accept It.” said parade goers.
Most of the respected personal. ties of Central California including Charanjit Singh Bath, Charanji ‘Singh Sihota of Expressway Trucking, Harry Gill and brothers were on hand to provide help, Political dignitaries such as Congressman George Radanovich R and Selma Mayor Ralph Garcia participated and enjoyed the festivities.
‘The parade ended with Ardas Diwan followed afterward. Preet Singh Sanghera expressed his joy after the successful end of the parade.
Article extracted from this publication >> April 17, 1996
