Andrew Creasey [email protected]
October 27, 2013: Preparations for the 34th annual Sikh Parade have kicked into high gear as temple leaders brace for a massive influx of participants and spectators next weekend that will nearly double the population of Yuba City overnight.
The event, which commemorates the receipt by the Sikhs of their holy scripture, the Siri Guru Granth Sahib, will open with a fireworks display at 8 p.m. Friday at the Tierra Buena Temple in Yuba City.
Over the weekend, the parade and surrounding events are expected to attract about 60,000 people, increasing an already sizable Sikh population of about 8,800 in Yuba City, according to the 2010 U.S. Census.
The event has grown to be one of the largest gatherings in Northern California, and, for local Sikhs, the spirit of the parade is emblematic of the philosophy of their religion — that all are welcome.
"The invitation to attend is open to all," said Sarb Johl, one of the event organizers. "It doesn't matter what is your religion or gender or anything."
This tolerance stems from the life of the founder of the religion, Guru Nanak Dev, growing up in a heavily segregated, caste society in 15th century India.
"We believe it's not the religion that makes you good or bad, it is the deeds that make you good or bad," said Kulwant Johl, another event organizer.
Many of the cornerstones of the event are due to Sikh tenants.
Hundreds of volunteers work throughout the year to make the parade possible. In doing so, they are carrying out one of the Sikh lifestyles, Seva, or selfless service, which keeps the Sikhs humble by suppressing the ego.
"The event ends Sunday, and one Monday, we're planning for next year," Sarb said.
Many of the volunteers will be working on the 400,000 free meals the Sikh community will provide over the weekend.
Known as a langar, the meals are another way for Sikhs share their common humanity and eliminate any distinction between the rich and poor.
The event, which will also feature a gatka sword demonstration and bazaar of shops and stalls selling clothing, food and books, has become one of the signatures of the community, said Yuba City Mayor John Buckland.
"This is an international marker for Yuba City, and we're very glad to be able to have this," he said.
Yuba City prepares for 'monumental task'
As the Sikh Parade approaches, Yuba City officials face one of their biggest challenges of the year as they ready the community for a massive influx of visitors.
"From the city standpoint and the police side, it's a fairly monumental task," said John Buckland, Yuba City mayor and retired policeman. "Every resource we have at the police department is used during the parade."
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| Chris Kaufman/Appeal-Democrat Ball Nihang prepares a fence ahead of the Sikh Parade along Tierra Buena Road Thursday, October 24, 2013 in Yuba City. |
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| David Bitton/Appeal-Democrat Thousands gather around the main float during the 32nd annual Sikh Parade in Yuba City on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011. |
City officials have been at work for the past three months, meeting with Sikh leaders, local businesses and churches to ensure access to services and devising transportation strategies.
"We get about one-third of all attendees driving up for the morning of the event, and that does create a bit of havoc," Buckland said. "Any time you double a city's population with one event it's going to have an impact."
Event organizers have arranged for free buses that will originate at River Valley High School, which will serve as a home base for visitors to park their cars.
"We are encouraging people to take the buses to decrease congestion," said Sarb Johl, one of the event organizers.
Johl also said that people driving to the Tierra Buena Temple from outside the area should try to avoid using Highway 99.
From the south, Johl is encouraging the use of Township Road or George Washington Boulevard toward Butte House Road. From the north, attendees should exit Highway 99 at Eager Road to access the temple, Johl said.
Many of the hotels in the area are booked for the weekend. Johl said that the weekend of the festival is one of the busiest of the year for the lodging industry.
And while the meals served at the festival are free, the core products are usually purchased in the area, injecting a modest influx in the local economy, Buckland said.
Honoring holy scripture is reason for festival
Before his death in 1708, Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th guru, gave Sikhs the Guru Granth Sahib, or Sikh holy scripture.
"The Guru Granth Sahib is our Guru and our teacher," said Tejinder Dosanjh, a spokesman for the Sikh Temple.
The holy book teaches about peace, human equality and helping the needy, Dosanjh said.
From now through the 34th annual Sikh Parade on Sunday, Nov. 3, the holy scripture could be read as many as 90 times, Dosanjh said.
The three-day festival concludes with the parade Sunday that in years past has drawn crowds between 60,000-80,000 people.
"The main reason we are doing this is the coronation of our holy book the Guru Granth Sahib," Dosanjh said.
Ahead of the main float carrying the Guru Granth Sahib, the road is swept as numerous people clean it as a show of respect, Dosanjh said.
Five men carrying swords directly in front of the float represent Panj Pyare, or the original five beloved ones, as a way to honor the Guru Granth Sahib's inauguration, Dosanjh said.
– By David Bitton