The Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds hosted thousands of people this Sunday, May 27th during the 18th Annual International Punjabi American Festival. Sponsored by the Punjabi American Heritage Society (PAHS) of Yuba City, the festival is a way for those with Punjabi roots to celebrate and share their culture with fellow Americans.
This year, the community also honored the families of three soldiers killed while serving in Afghanistan: U.S. Marine Corporal Gurpreet Singh, U.S. Army Specialist Rueben Lopez and U.S. Army Specialist Chase Marta. The ceremony was held to recognize the bravery of those that died in service of their country and the sacrifice of those families that are left behind. Congressman John Garmendi also joined PAHS members to honor the families. Assemblyman Dan Logue complimented the Punjabi American community for their hard work and contributions to State of California. He also read excerpts from recently passed California resolution ACR 181 and ACR 97 recognizing contributions of Sikh Americans and declaration of month of November as Sikh awareness and appreciation month.
PAHS awarded four scholarships to local students Yassra Maheen Murtaza, Kiranjeet Kaur, Manjinder Singh and Ruby Phagura.
Famlies of Fallen soldiers with Cong Garmaandi and PAHS members
Mr. Mohinder Singh Sandhu and Mrs. Surinder Kaur Sandhu of Sacramento were honored for promoting awareness about cancer in our community. Mr Jaspal Singh Soos was recognized for promoting poetry and friendship with artists from UK and Pakistan.
The festival showcased hundreds of local performing artists including 200 students participated on the stage events by showcasing their talent. Festival was commenced by US National Anthem and Devotional Shaabad and culminated by spellbound singing performances by internationally acclaimed singer Jazzy B and new sensation Sherry Mann. Stage was ably handled by Asha Sharma and many PAHS members.
About 50 booths and stalls sold mouth watering South Asian delicacies, clothing, artifacts and books.
The Punjabi American Heritage Society was founded in 1993 with the purpose of promoting friendship and understanding within the community and to educate Punjabi children about their ancestral roots.
In the past seventeen years, many events have been organized to increase awareness and understanding. Recently PAHS unveiled the first ever Punjabi American Museum exhibit in Yuba City and launched a web site Punjabipioneers.com to honor the story and struggles of South Asian pioneers to USA.
More pictures HERE