Baisakhi 2010 Celebration in Los Angeles

Baisakhi Day is celebrated each year in the Sikh Community of Southern California with an exquisite Kirtan Darbar and royal Nagar Kirtan.  Baisakhi Day commemorates the day in 1699 when the 10th of the Sikh Gurus, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, established the Khalsa Panth; a society dedicated to Purity of Spirit. This day is most dear to Sikhs around the world because it is the day when the code of conduct of a Sikh (the Rehit Marayada)  was established and mandated those who considered themselves Khalsa (Pure) to live by this defined code and lifestyle.

The most prominent of these definitions of lifestyle remains the commitment for every Sikh to live with uncut hair, living as Akal Purkh created each individual.  And to add to the grace and dignity of this practice, Guru Gobind Singh Ji directed that all Sikhs wear turbans, which represents royalty and distinction.   During those times in history only the Rajas, those of the highest caste were allowed to don pagaree ( turbans).  However,  Guru Gobind Singh Ji sought to emphasize and highlight the dignity of each human and the spirit which rules supreme in every heart and soul and as such he characterized his Sikhs as Lions, Singhs for men and Princesses, Kaurs  for women.

This year the Sikh Community of Southern California will host its annual Baisakhi Day Celebration at the Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA. 90015, on Sunday, April 4th from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This year’s theme,  “Khalsa Mero Satigur Poora”, Khalsa is my Perfect True Guru is befitting the beginning of a new decade. The program is a collaborative effort of service and participation from many of the Gurdwaras from  Southern California. The day’s events actually begin with a special Asa di Var Kirtan program, performed by Bhai Kultar Singh Jetha, son of Bhai Awtar Singh of Sis Ganj Wale, beginning at 4:00 a.m. at Guru Ram Das Ashram, 1620 Preuss Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90035.

This kirtan is followed by a motorcycle Police escort of Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and a caravan of sangat-member cars to the Los Angeles Convention Center at 7:00 a.m. The kirtan program at the Convention Center will commence with the Jaap Sahib Bani of Guru Gobind Singh Ji sung to music by the Guru Ram Das Ashram Kirtan Jetha beginning at 8:00 a.m. Following will be performances by the children’s groups of the various Gurdwaras. Then the Sadh Sangat will enjoy further the Kirtan presented by the many Ragi Jethas from many of the gurdwaras from Southern California. The guest kirtanee will be Bhai Kultar Singh and Jetha at 1:00 p.m. followed by a 5-Ragi Jetha Presentation under the direction of Prof. Ranjit Singh of Bhai Mardana Academy. We are informed that Principal Dayal Singh, famous professor of Raag and author of Gurmat Sangeet Sagar may also be in attendance that day. Guru ka Langar, a community vegetarian meal will be served throughout the day beginning at 8:00 a.m. and continuing through 5:00 p.m.

The Kirtan Darbar will be followed by a 2 mile Nagar Kirtan Parade beginning at 3:00 p.m. The parade will feature many decorative floats with special themes representing Sikh history, faith and culture. Many delicious treats will be served during and after the parade.

There are many opportunities for individuals to participate in doing seva for this festive event.  Friday night and Saturday, April 2nd and 3rd, all are welcome to participate in the parade float decorations at Khalsa Care Foundation, 9989 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331. Additionally, sevadars are welcome to participate in the decorations for the Darbar Hall at the Convention Center on Saturday, April 3rd from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  

Preparations for Guru ka Langar will be going on Friday, April 2nd and Saturday, April 3rd at the Vermont Gurdwara.

The Sikh Dharma Guru Ram Das Ashram Community will also be hosting an Amrit Sanchar ceremony for all individuals interested in renewing their  Khalsa vows and commitment to live as Khalsa. This will be held at Guru Ram Das Ashram, Saturday, April 3rd at 1620 Preuss Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90035.

For more information call 310-201-0954.

For information about the Kirtan Darbar please contact Kirtan Singh Khalsa at 310-990-4573 or Hari Bhajan Singh Khalsa at 310-275-0575.

For information regarding the Nagar Kirtan please contact Gurdip Singh Malik at 213-923-4975 or Joginder Singh Sidhu at 818-266-4757.

For information regarding Bazaar Tables, please contact Simran Kaur Khalsa at 310-836-1667.

For information regarding Langar Seva, please contact Hardip Singh Virdi at 310-801-8801 or Dr. Manjit Singh Khalsa at 310-704-0944.

7:30 a.m.        Prakash of Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, followed by Musical Jaap Sahib

8:30 – 9:00 a.m.    Ragi Jathas from Southern California

9:00 – 11:00 a.m.    Children’s Jathas from Southern California

11:00 – 12:30 p.m.    Ragi Jathas from Southern California

12:30 – 1:00 p.m.    Saropa Ceremony, honoring distinguished guests:

•    Bhai Sahiba Bibi Inderjit Kaur
•    Siri Sikdar Sahib Sardani Guru Amrit Kaur Khalsa
•    Congresswoman Judy Chu
•    John Chiang, California State Controller
•    Councilwoman Jan Perry
•    Congressman Brad Sherman

1:00 – 1:15 p.m.    Principal Dayal Singh, Gurumut Sangeet, Vidhalia-Rakab Ganj Gurdwara

1:15 – 1:45 p.m.    Guest Ragi Jatha, Bhai Kultar Singh, Sis Ganj Wale, son of Bhai Awtar Singh    

1:45 – 2:30 p.m.    Five Ragi Jatha Presentation, under direction of Professor Ranjit Singh of Bhai Mardana Academy

2:30 p.m.               Samapti

3:00 – 6:30 p.m.    Nagar Kirtan