Truly speaking, the Arizona Sikh population stands nowhere compared to the number of the Sikh people in the State of California, Washington DC, New York or Texas. But to have almost close to 1000 Sikhs arrive on April 20th the Kirtan Darbar but also to become part of an unusual Nagar Kirtan aggressively emphasizing Sikh Identity through the street of Downtown Phoenix, Arizona, was no less than a miracle.
The Sikh identity was highlighted by over 60 large saffron-colored banners, each measuring 4 feet and 8 feet, especially imported from India. They were hung in the massive auditorium of the Phoenix Convention Center where the Kirtan Darbar was held. These banners, written in English, referred to the different aspects of Sikh faith such as the unique identity of Sikhs, their principles, as well as their presence in this country for over 100 years, their involvement in WWI and WWII and the modern day atmosphere of hate crime against them. A large statement affixed on the podium was truly eye-catching, “A Turban is to a Singh What a Crown is to a King.”
The agenda also included honoring those who had taken Amrit this year in addition to the ones who again decided to re-embrace the Sikh identity after having earlier cut their hair or beards. Overall, there were 12 such souls. They were greeted with Jaikaraas while being honored by the esteemed Ragi Jethas. The mayor of City of Phoenix who arrived to be part of the program was also honored on the stage with a Bouquet of flowers along with literature about the Sikhs.
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Two interesting speeches by teenagers, one in Punjabi by Sardarni Manmeet Kaur and other in English by Sardar Anhad Singh, were primarily targeted towards the gradual deterioration of Sikh identity and the urgency of its preservation. The sacrifices of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his family as well as many other Sikh Shaheeds in the cause of Sikh faith and for the preservation of Sikh identity were recalled by these two young Sikhs through a passionate and mind piercing message. They made a very strong case for adopting the path of Gurus through a humble reminder about our Sikh roots and the sacrifices of our predecessors.
Staring with Japuji Sahib and followed by sweet shower of Gurbani Kirtan, first by the children of Punjabi Schools of all the Gurdwaras and then by a marathon session of two and half hours by four local Raagi Jethas, the program continued inside the hall until 2:30 PM. Ongoing Snacks consisting of several Indian delicacies were continuously served outside to all those who came, in plenty and in abundance.
During the Nagar Kirtan, the same banners that initially decorated inside of the hall were then carried out by several pairs of two people each. They were taken around in the streets of downtown Phoenix, in front of Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s Swari, placed high atop an elegantly decorated 18 wheeler. Behind Guru Granth Sahib, the entire Sangat slowly walked while singing Gurbani and religious songs.
Langar was served across the street at a park like shady setting in a beautiful lawn that was graciously offered at no cost by St. Mary’s Basilica, a gesture of Interfaith goodwill given it was Easter day, after people returned from the parade. Once again several dishes prepared by many volunteers who had been working hard for several days and nights relentlessly in the name of Guru, were greatly appreciated.
This was the third time Sarb Sanjhaa Vaisakhi Kirtan Darbar was arranged in downtown Phoenix, whereas the Nagar Kirtan this year, like the one last year, was arranged for the second time in this unique way to highlight the Sikh identity. All the three Sikh Gurdwaras were instrumental in helping arrange the events in almost all the aspects. The excitement and reverence was all too obvious in the air and was full to the brim.
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Dr. Jaswant Singh Sachdev, M.D. Phoenix, Arizona Author of: 1. "Square Pegs, Round Holes" www.SquarePegsRoundHolesBook.com and 2. "Sikhism: Points to Ponder; Perspectives of a Sikh Living Abroad," as well as a recently published masterpiece about the cross-cultural dilemma of Indian subcontinent diaspora, 3. "One Coin, Two Sides," For details of the this new book, please go to the LINK http://inkwellproductions.com/one-coin-two-sides.htm |