Baisakhi 2012
Kirtan Darbar and Nagar Kirtan Celebration
in Los Angeles - April 8th

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 Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, established the Khalsa Panth; a society dedicated to Purity of Spirit.

Watch the Live Video Broadcast

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 8th from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The year's theme is "Khalsa is the Life of my Life" - Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The program is a collaborative effort of service and participation from many of the 25 Gurdwaras in Southern California. The day's events begin at Guru Ram Das Ashram (established by Siri Singh Sahib Bhai Sahib Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogi Ji in 1972), 1620 Preuss Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90035, at 3:40 a.m. with Japji Sahib recitation followed by a beautiful Asa di Var Kirtan program sung by Bhai Kultar Singh Jetha, Bangala Sahib Wale, 4:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.. At 7:00 a.m., there is a Grand Procession of Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to the Convention Center, with police motorcade escort and a caravan of cars filled with the Sadh Sangat.

The Kirtan Darbar Program at the Convention Center begins at 7:30 a.m. with Prakash of Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji followed by Jaap Sahib Bani of Guru Gobind Singh Ji sung to music by the Guru Ram Das Ashram Kirtan Jetha. Kirtan from children's groups begins at 8:30 a.m. and many Ragi Jethas from the Southern California Gurdwaras will play between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.. The program at 1:15 p.m. will feature Bhai Kultar Singh and Jetha, Bangala Sahib Wale (son of Bhai Awtar Singh) followed by a 5-Ragi Jetha Presentation under the direction of Prof. Ranjit Singh of Bhai Mardana Academy. Guru ka Langar, a community vegetarian meal, will be served throughout the day beginning at 8:00 a.m. and continuing through 4:00 p.m. There are many activities for children, and a popular and busy Baisakhi Bazaar.

The Kirtan Darbar will be followed by a 2-mile Nagar Kirtan beginning at 3:00 p.m. The parade will feature many decorative floats with special themes representing Sikh history, faith and culture. 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. Saturday, April 7th, 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 decorating the Darbar Hall at the Convention Center on Saturday, April 7th from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Preparations for Guru ka Langar will be on Saturday, April 7th from noon to midnight at Guru Ram Das Ashram/Khalsa Peace Corps, 1618 Preuss Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90035.

The Sikh Dharma Guru Ram Das Ashram Community also will be hosting an Amrit Sanchar ceremony for all individuals interested in committing to live as Khalsa. This will be held at Guru Ram Das Ashram on Saturday, April 7th at 3:00 a.m., 1620 Preuss Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90035.

Bhai Kultar Singh and Jetha will also be performing Kirtan at Guru Ram Das Ashram each morning April 3rd -6th at 5:50 a.m. and on Friday evening, April 6th, at 6:30 -7:30 p.m. for the Akal Takhat Martyrdom Kirtan program.

For more information call 310-201-0954.
For information about the Kirtan Darbar please contact Kirtan Singh Khalsa at 310-990-4573 or Dr. 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.

Baisakhi 2012
"Khalsa is the Life of my Life." - Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Sunday, April 8th, 2012
Los Angeles Convention Center
Concourse Hall
1201 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015

7:30 am -                     Prakash of Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, followed by Musical Jaap Sahib
8:30 am - 10:30 am -   Children's Jethas from Southern California
10:30 am - 12:30 pm - Ragi Jethas from Southern California
12:30 pm - 1:15 pm -   Saropa Ceremony, honoring distinguished guests:

• Bhai Sahiba Bibi Inderjit Kaur
  
• Siri Sikdar Sahiba Sardani Guru Amrit Kaur Khalsa
  
• U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman
  
• U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu
  
• Los Angeles Count Sherriff Leroy Baca
  
• California State Controller John Chung
  
• Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky
  
• California State Assembly member Mike Eng
  
• Los Angeles City Council member Paul Koretz

1: 15 pm - 2:30 pm - Featured Guest Ragi Jetha -
                                 Bhai Kultar Singh and Jetha and Five Ragi Jatha Presentation under direction of Professor                                   Ranjit Singh of Bhai Mardana Academy
2:30 pm -                  Samapti
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Nagar Kirtan