By Raj Singh OAKLAND, CA: The culture of Punjab has made it a land of gods, a land of heroes and a land of art. The cradle of world civilization is supposed to have got its first swing from the land of five rivers. On Saturday May 13that the Henry J. Kaiser convention center, the Punjab Night organized by Punjab Cultural Society the rich culture of Punjab was portrayed in all of its glory.

The Punjab’s openness and enterprise were on display in their colorful costumes, makeup, folk dances, and songs that enrich their romantic heritage. The “Bhangra” “Jhumar” and “Gidha” add a new dimension to Punjabi culture.

Vaisakhi is associated with historical and mythological aspects of culture. The harvest begins at Vaisakhi and gives the farmers a new feeling and they dance with joy. In Sikh history, it is the day Khalsa Panth was born. It also freshens the spirit of sacrifice and martyrdom.

A culture of which all of us are so proud should be imparted to our children, and it is in this direction that the Punjab cultural society has put in all its efforts.

In “Ki Siftan Punjab Dian” scripted by Balbir Ragi and directed by Surinder Dhanoa, the rich 6,000 year old heritage of Punjab was traced. It was a very touching and highly emotional feeling when the stage was lit up with the portrait of Shree Guru Gobind Singh. Ragi once again proved his versatility in “Yad Shahidan Di,” illustrating to the crowd the sacrifices of Bhagat Singh and others and why “Inclab Zindabad” will be a SUCCESS.

The Bay Area team of youth dancers got a standing ovation for “Nach Dian Kalian.” Mani Dhanoa who participates in the dance, also directed it. The little girl Navreet had to be lifted to the table top as she could hardly reach it, to receive her trophy.

In the playback Vanjara dance Surinder and his wife Japinder were outstanding. She playback here by Satpal Deol and Jaswinder Beesla added authenticity to the dance.

In “Dr. Patiala Da” skit Joginder who also directed it sent the audience into peels of laughter with the rustic Punjabi that one comes across in rural Punjab.

The Judge team of Barinder and Manjit showedtheir hidden talents, Jaswinder Kaur Beesla is a very original and promising new voice who was well appreciated.

The women’s gidha dance led by Japinder Dhanoa lifted the hearts ofall. The months of preparation were reflected in the delicate movements of the limbs.

After intermission Deep and Pinky Shergill directed the young boys and girls from Stockton and Sacramento in “Khildian Kalian.

The skit “BeBe” by Satpal Deol was a hilarious affair.

The “Vaisakhi Mela” directed by Walia, who was dressed as a soldier was a very moving moment. It depicted the sacrifice by a father, whose sons died in the wars.

The dying art of “Naklan” was revived tonight when Surinder and Sohan Dhola regaled the house full crowd with their “naklan.”

The ShanEPunjab musical group as usual sang the folk songs of Punjab that had the people yearning for more and more. Any Punjabi Night has one must item in the program schedule and you guessed it right. The “Bhangra” performed by the Bay Area residents led by Surinder and Walia was absolutely fantastic. Gurdev Dhanda on the Dholak performed creditably. One got the feeling this team could easily walk off with a Bhangra Championship.

Wish I Was A Sikh

The success of this cultural night was best summed up by Mr. John Dutra the Fremont City Councilman who said, “I wish I was a Sikh”. The keen interest shown by Surinder and his wife Japinder can only be admired. Balbir Ragi and Walia too have left no quarter for its success. The colorful costumes were a delight to the eyes. Earlier in his welcome address A.S. Sidhu praised the organization, Hasan Hamani managed the stage well as master of ceremonies. His eloquent voice and rich knowledge of Punjabi culture was a positive on the proceeding.

The efforts of the Punjab Cultural Society will not go in vain. Asimilar night is planned in Stockton, Fresno and other venues.

Article extracted from this publication >>  May 26, 1989