SACRAMENTO: To celebrate Vaisakhi, over two thousand Sikhs men, women and children, all dressed in colorful clothes thronged the CK Mcclathy High School Auditorium, Sacramento. The jammed packed hall designed to accommodate 1100 people was overflowing, and people sat in any Open space, the floor in front and the aisles on the sides to witness the program of Bhangra and giddha, which lasted over five hours. The program started with the Sikh national anthem “Deh Siva Var Mohe” a composition of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Jee.
Organized by the Sikh Temple Sacramento, the popular annual event had unexpectedly heavy at ten dances, the organizing staff did &commendable job accommodating over 2000 people in the auditorium. Mr.Phil Isenberg local assemblyman and a popular friend of the Sikh community lent a helping hand in hiring the school auditorium. He was represented by his staff member Loretta Devoun who read out a message from the assemblyman.
The history of the annual event dates to 1985 when the first Vaisakhi was jointly, celebrated by Sacramento Sikhs. In the wake of the Indian Governments attack on the Golden Temple in June 1984 and the killing of over 10,00 Sikhs in Delhi at the instigation of Rajiv Gandhi and Congress leaders in Dec.84, the Sikhs felt a need to empress solidarity with their kin folk in India. Bakshish Singh, the Secretary of the Gurdwara, who was the MC at the event, said, “this event has been growing ever more popular each year and seeing the strength of the gathering, the Sikh temple might have to hire Arco Arena next year.” Bakshish Singh emceed the function with great enthusiasm acclaiming every artist and presenting the prominent Sikhs to the audience always reminding the audience to lend a hand to the performers.
The most exciting thing about the evening were the dances by tiny children and boys and girls from college who participated in the folk dance with such zeal and spirit. Performances by the Shergill sisters in Bhangra sensations wearing colorful duppatas and Iehangas and the teenagers of UC Davis Hungama in gorgeous green were tantalizing. The Rye sisters, all from the same family gave an excellent performance. Almost every event was thrilling and laudable.
“Nachdi Prito,” ‘Nachan de Shamkcen’ ‘Safri girls’ were appreciated by the audience. ‘Ladics giddha’ by Jeet and Taji Sandhu and their group drew great applause. Harbaksh Mangat and his young men performed an excel lent ‘Bhangra’ which must have involved a tremendous amount of Practice to achieve such a level of perfection.
Free refreshments were provided to the audience by Khalsa Fabric Plus, whose family members were seen enthusiastically serving so das, samosas, ‘jalebis’ and other Punjabi snacks to everyone in the lobby.
Many prominent Sikhs were honored by the organizers by be ing called fourth to present certificates and moments to the young participants.
In true Sikh tradition, people singled out for honor were the ones who have devoted their energies and talents in the service of the Sikh community.
At the end of the dance and song events, a raffle was held which figured a large number of prizes offered by sponsors of the event. Dr.N.S.Dhaliwal who was in charge of the cultural program also donated all the prizes and trophies to the participants.
The chairman of the temple committee Pargan Singh and its president Jagat Singh Rye and other members worked hard to ensure success of the Vaisakhi function.
Article extracted from this publication >> April 30, 1993
