Vaisakhi Celebrations in Los Angeles

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The convention center was beautifully transformed into the Gurdwara. The sangat did such a great job decorating for the vaisakhi celebration.

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I thought that this picture with the Panj Piaray was particularly interesting. During the vaisakhi celebrations every year the panj normally stay sitting or standing behind the Siri Guru Granth Sahib till the end of Gurdwara. What was interesting was that all of the panj were women. Then later on when the Nagar Kirtan happened outside, the Panj Piaray were all men. Quite a contrast.

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Near the end of the Gurdwara five different Sikh organizations (Sikh Coalition, SALDEF, SCORE, United Sikhs and SikhNet) were recognized with the “Spirit of Vaisakhi” award. Representatives of each organizations received a suropas and a beautiful picture of Siri Keshgar Sahib.

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In this pictures I am addressing the sangat and telling them about the work that we do at SikhNet.

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Here is a picture of Brad Sherman of the United States Congress wearing a Turban and being recognized with a Suropa.

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Congressman Brad Sherman then presented the Sangat with an American Flag that had been specifically flown at the top of the Capital Building of the United States Congress on the occasion of Baisakhi.

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Abinashi singh receiving recognition by the Los Angeles sheriff’s department for being the second Sikh as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff.

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Pritpal Singh and Jatha (from my home town Espanola) playing Kirtan at the celebration.

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The Bazaar area.

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Panj Piaray with the Siri Guru Granth Sahib coming outside of the convention center for the Nagar Kirtan.

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There were two Sardas on horses leading the Nagar Kirtan.

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My friend Siri Vias Singh and his son, who just moved to Los Angeles with his family.

51 Responses to “Vaisakhi Celebrations in Los Angeles”

1. Harjeet Kaur Bajaj says:

   April 15, 2009 at 2:27 am

   Dear all

   Sat Sri Akal,

   Happy Baisakhi to all,

   We are proud to be a Sikhism overall in the World.

   from : Harjeet Bajaj, India