As part of its weekly festival from May through September to show they are an integral part of the American Society, Sikh Sewak Society International celebrated Sikh Awareness Day last week in Willimantic, Connecticut with a variety of cultural events and a plethora of ethnic food from different parts of the world.
Six blocks of Main St. were closed to vehicular traffic for the evening June 25 and filled with thousands of pedestrians browsing merchandise and enjoying food, music and dance as had happened 3rd Thursday of every month since May this year. Local and regional vendors set tables on the street showcasing goods produced in CT. There were Indian, Mexican, Syrian, Puerto Rican, Italian, and Ukrainian food vendors providing gastronomic delights to the crowd.
The Sikh community became part of this festival June 25 and distributed free water bottles and brochures to educate more people about Sikhism.
Member of the society International “Swaranjit Singh Khalsa” said it’s very important that the Sikh community participate in these festivals because it shows Americans that Sikh community is also part of America and SIKH values are the same as those of Americans. He focused on giving the message that Sikhs believe in the oneness of the humankind and that everybody should respect each other’s beliefs.
Kuljit Singh from Storrs helped spread the message of Guru Nanak, while Manmohan Singh Bhrara a longtime resident of Connecticut from past 35 years educated children about Sikhism. On the table they had brochure in ten languages.
The next Sikh awareness day will be celebrated July 16 (3rd Thursday) in Willimantic on Main Street from 6pm to 9pm and the organizers welcomed everybody to take part in the event.