Altruism During Sikh Baisakhi Celebration

Sikh communities of Southern California

The Sikh community in Southern California is always active in sharing food with people. They set up langars (community kitchens) in local gurdwaras (Sikh temples) and in open spaces during festive events (i.e., Women’s March and the Sikh Baisakhi celebration in Los Angeles) offering free vegetarian meals to all. And recently, during these days of COVID-19 isolation, the generous act of sharing and serving food continues. For example, the Sikh Gurdwara in Riverside coordinated with the United Sikh Mission has distributed over 40,000 meals in the past four weeks.

Origin of Baisakhi  

Although Baisakhi celebrations began in the Punjab region of northern India, it is now celebrated around the world in Sikh communities. The event “commemorates the day in 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th of the Sikh Gurus, bestowed and blessed Sikhs with the unique form, appearance and discipline associated with the Sikh way of life. Baisakhi also coincides with the first Spring Harvest and the Sikh New Year.” (Guruamdashram.org)

Celebrating Baisakhi in Los Angeles

The Baisakhi (also known as Vaisakhi) celebration would have been in its 48^th years in the Los Angeles area; however, it’s cancelled, as have many festive gatherings worldwide this year. For this celebration, thousands gather and events are scheduled all day long with spiritual music (kirtan) groups, Gatka (Sikh martial art) demonstrations, a market bazaar, speakers, children’s programs, langar, and the parade (Nagar Keertan, also referred to as Nagar Kirtan).

Last year’s Baisakhi was held on April 14, 2019 at the Los Angeles Convention Center as it has been for many years. This Los Angeles event is organized by the "Sikh Dharma of Southern California and Guru Ram Das Ashram, with the cooperation of many other Gurdwaras in Los Angeles County."(SikhDarma.org). As part of the early morning activities, a motorcade procession brings the Guru Granth Sahib from the Guru Ram Das Ashram in LA. This important scripture text the Guru Granth Sahib “serves as a repository of Sikh beliefs as well as a central point of reference in Sikh devotional life” (Gurinder Singh Mann, Sikhism, 2004:91)

In the afternoon, before the parade (Nagar Keertan), the Guru Granth Sahib is escorted on a long red carpet from the LA Convention Center to a float elaborately decorated in fresh flowers, gold-colored textured cloth, and Sikh symbolism. The manuscript receives royal treatment as it is carried on the head and fanned with a ceremonial flywhisk. On the float, it is laid on a raised platform, and the elaborate cloth around it removed.

Prashad offering is given to everyone, while a small cash donation could be made to the Guru Granth Sahib too.