Venkat Raman –
Gurdwaras around the country would wear a festive atmosphere on April 14, which is the actual day of Vaisakhi, the harvest season heralding progress and prosperity, although several activities would begin this week.
Sri Kalgidhar Sahib Gurdwaras in Otahuhu and Takanini (both located in South Auckland) have an impressive line-up of programmes commencing tomorrow (Thursday, April 2).
Tens of thousands of people including those of other religious faiths will visit these places of worship, celebrate Vaisakhi and participate in the ceremonies that will include prayers and Kirtans.
Sri Kalgidhar Sahib, Otahuhu
Vaisakhi Festival will commence at Sri Kalgidhar Sahib Otahuhu with ‘Akhand Path’ at 8 am on April 2, followed by ‘Bhog’ at 10 am on Saturday, April 4.
Spokesperson Daljit Singh said the ‘Nagar Kirtan,’ the most colourful part of Vaisakhi, will be held on Saturday, April 4.
“This year’s Street Parade (Nagar Kirtan) will be special as it would mark the 20th anniversary of the event. Since the first procession held in 1996, the event has been evincing widespread interest among all sections of the communities in which we live. We are happy that the younger members of our Sikh community are participating in Nagar Kirtan in increasing numbers,” he said.
The ‘Sikh Parade,’ will start at the Otahuhu Gurdwara at 12 pm, go up to the Otahuhu Shopping Mall and return by 230 pm.
“The Gurdwara will feature ‘Kirtani Jatha,’ conducted by a famous ‘Kathakar,’ who will be our guest from India,” Mr Daljit Singh said.
Sri Kalgidhar Sahib, Takanini
Festivities at sprawling Gurdwara complex (Sri Kalgidhar Sahib) in Takanini will begin at 8 am on Friday, April 10, 2015 with ‘Akhandpath,’ followed by Kirtani Jathas and Kathakar, conducted by the Gurdwara’s guest from India.
The Bhog ceremony will be held from 9 am on Sunday, April 12.
Nanaksar Thath Isher Darbar, Manurewa
Vaisakhi Festival will commence on Monday, April 13 at 7 pm at Nanaksar Thath Isher Darbar, the Gurdwara in Manurewa.
Trustee Rajvinder Singh said that the observance, called, ‘Khalsa Saajna Diwas,’ will comprise mainly of religious songs.
“The 90-minue Kirtan Diwan will be pious and inspiring. Daily programmes will continue at the Gurdwara, but one of the most important occasions would be on Saturday, April 25, the day on which we will observe ‘Amrit Sanchaar.’ This is a religious ceremony at which Sikhs can get baptised,” he said.
The Gurdwara will wear a colourful look on Sunday, April 26, with thousands of men, women and children participating in a street procession that would begin at the temple complex on 102, Great South Road, Manurewa.
The great Guru Granth Sahib, the most sacred book of the Sikhs would be carried with piety and respect on the head by a chosen person, and the procession would be led by the ‘Five Beloved Ones’ (meaning the respected members of the community), along with members of the community.
“The procession will also comprise floats, complete with decorations, featuring members of the community singing Kirtans and religious songs. Children would perform martial and other arts. It would be an occasion for people of all faiths to participate, enlivening the theme of ‘Togetherness,’ which is the essence of Sikhism,” Mr Rajvinder Singh said.
Details of the event can be obtained from him on 021-471713.
Sri Dasmesh Darbar, Papatoetoe
Sri Dasmesh Darbar, located at 158 Kolmar Road, Papatoetoe in South Auckland would be the venue for various events.
Secretary Raj Bedi said that the Festival will commence with ‘Aarambh Sri Akhand Paath’ at 6 pm on Sunday, April 12, 2015.
“Other events include ‘Bhog Sri Akhand Paath Sahib at 630 pm on Tuesday, April 14, followed by ‘Rehraas Sahib Paath’ at 630 pm and ‘Special Kirtan Darbar’ up to 830 pm. The event will conclude with ‘Ardaas.’ Langar will be distributed uninterrupted throughout the festivities,” he said.
