Celebrating Baisakhi in Los Angeles
Sat Sangeet Kaur Khalsa
Los Angeles CA, U.S.A.
Each year the Los Angeles Sangat looks forward to hosting the Baisakhi Celebration. It is in the spirit of bringing our extended family together that the Los Angeles Sangat, with the loving support of many community members, prepares for this holiday. The Administrative Council starts planing at least three months in advance to prepare and detail all of the events. Over the years, we have developed a Missal System comprised of eight Missals, under the direction of Guru Meher Singh, the Head Jethadar.
The first Baisakhi event which the Local Office will host this year is the White Tantric Yoga Course, on Saturday, April 9th. This event is spearheaded by Har Gopal Kaur and Seva Kaur, the Executive Secretary. Preparations include finding a suitable location to accommodate 300 people. Advertising for the course includes a mailing which is sent to people across the country. There are details too numerous to mention that must be worked out before the actual day of this transformational course.
The following day, April 10th, we will have our Sunday Baisakhi Gurdwara, which is overseen by Kirtan Singh, the Secretary of the Gurdwara. The Baisakhi Gurdwara is the highlight of all our festivities. It requires much of the same preparations as the White Tantric Yoga course, but in some ways on an even larger scale, as we prepare to host 800-1000 people. Preparations start with members of our sangat going to the Indian Gurdwaras in the outlying areas and inviting them to join on this auspicious occasion. The Missal System continues to answer the call of duty orchestrating the many tasks that need to be taken care of, until at last a harmonic resonance is reached. The day before the Gurdwara many designers, artists and technicians are found transforming a hall of commercial enterprise into a magnificently beautiful environment to honor the Siri Guru Granth Sahib!
After all of our efforts, we at last welcome that morning when the Siri Guru Granth Sahib is carried to the limousine for the motorcade procession! Excitement fills the air as the Guru arrives with the Panj Piare leading the way, their swords flashing, and the Nigara drum beating, filling the Gurdwara with its mighty resonance. This sets the tone for the entire day of celebrations.
Please join us in L.A. for an action packed, fun filled inspiring week, which will include Khalsa Council Meetings, the Siri Singh Sahib’s Classes on April 5 and 7, Akal Takhat Martyrdom Gurdwara, an Amrit Ceremony and our Annual Picnic! The “more the merrier” is the sentiment as the Sangat opens their homes and hearts to those from near and far. For more info, call the Sevadar at (310) 858-7691 or the Secretariat at (310) 552-3416.