"God blessed us with a day that allowed us to reflect on and remember the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib," said Didar Singh Bains, President, Sikh Temple Yuba City and Parade founder and chairman. At its core, Sikhism preaches a message of devotion and remembrance of God at all times, honorable living, social justice and equality of mankind. No where was the reminder of the Sikh core values more prevalent than in the symbolism that went into the preparation and serving of more than
200,000 free meals.

"The tradition comes from one of the Sikh Gurus who used money his father had given him for buying goods and used it instead to buy food and clothing for those in need," said Jaswant Singh Bains, Director, Yuba City Sikh Temple Gurdwara.

The festive day brought an end to 48 hours of non-stop prayer. As the main float left the Sikh Temple grounds, flower petals rained down from a helicopter hovering above the ceremony and parade. The four and a half mile parade featured floats and a procession of thousands of Sikhs walking with the floats. In the Sikh tradition, anyone is free to join in the parade at anytime. Along the parade route, Sikhs families set up food booths and provided free drinks, snacks and prepared food for the throng of visitors.