Vaisakhi 2013 ~ Lautoka, FIJI

Vaisakhi 2013

The Lautoka Gurdwara (FIJI) congregation is composed mostly of the Sikh populace from Sigatoka to part of BA and is rich with personal sacrifices of our ancestors in joyfully establishing the Gurdwara around 1933 and inspired re-building efforts following the arson attack of 1987.

Despite the economic and social hardships with minority factor as well, it's exemplary to witness the Chardi- kala of Sikh community in expressing and keeping alive Baba Nanak's golden motto of NAAM JAPNA, KIRT KARNI te VANDH CHAKNA.

Since yearly Vaisakhi joy always begins with respectful adornment of the Nishan Saheb, this year remains as vibrant as ever with the Nishan Saheb and Chola sewa expressing an exceptional zeal. We are proud of our religious heritage where the Nishan Saheb signifies that the command of the Gurus is prevalent in the Gurdwara and signals to the community at large that food and protection is available to the needy.

The Nishan Saheb and Chola sewa was devoutly claimed by the Boparai Family of Sacramento, USA (Mata Prem Kaur, Gurnam Singh, Ranjit Singh, Avil Singh) with humble resourceful assistance of the Lautoka General Transport MANDI Family, together with the current Lautoka Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee, Mobile Crane Hire and the devout sangat, followed by esteemed blessings of Sacramento, USA Sangat that added a glorious and ceremonial dimension to the sewa. We also recall and pay respect to an awe-inspiring incident of 1940 where two beloved Granthi sewadars attained heavenly abode when electrocuted during the Nishan Saheb sewa.

Following last year’s inaugural Chola sewa, the maryada of sanctified homage to the humblest yet tallest Nishan Saheb in the South Pacific created an electrifying experience amongst the sewadars and we take this opportunity to re-affirm our spirited conviction for the chardi-kala of our panth. The Vaisakhi kirtan, katha and bhog was thoroughly assimilated and shared by some 300 sangat at Lautoka Gurdwara on Sat 13 April.

The 2013 Vaisakhi also provided a lotus atmosphere to the Lautoka Gurudwara Saheb Sangat with the dignified presence of Chief Guest in Hon.Vinod Kumar (Indian High Commissioner to Fiji) and Doctor Baldev Singh from San Jose, USA as both reflected the zeal that needs to be inculcated in Prabhandak Sewadars and Sangat to jointly endeavour in advocating the ideals and teachings of our gurus having had freedom and choice as inalienable gifts from Gurus.

Comments and advice to Mr.Bayant Singh @ : [email protected]

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