Thousands gathered at the Sikh temple in Rio Linda on Sunday for the 26th annual Sikh parade, celebrating the 649th birth anniversary of spiritual leader Dhan Dhan Satguru Ravidass Maharaj Ji with colorful floats, cultural attire, and free food offerings. The parade opened with flower petals raining down from a helicopter over the congregation, creating a breathtaking moment.
Ajay Padwagga from the Shri Guru Ravidass temple said, “This is in celebration of the 649th birth anniversary of our spiritual Dhan Dhan Satguru Ravidass Maharaj Jee and today we’re celebrating the 26th annual Sikh parade in celebration of his annual birth anniversary.”
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Participants wore intricate cultural attire, with many matching. Jodha Singh, who participated in the parade, said, “We’re all matching with the peach color and so it looks nice.” She added, “It represents Guru Ravidass and we’re all matching to represent him.”
Students practiced seva, the act of selfless service. Manraj Mahay, a participant, said, “We made a little group called Begampura Youth Sabha and we’ve been doing seva the past two days and today we made a float and if you go over there we are towing the hut for Guru Ravidass.”
Following a message from a spiritual leader that no one should go hungry, food and drinks were offered for free. Neha Bagga, who served food at the parade, said, “I’m serving Makki di roti, saag, we have some Macher which is pickled.”
Thousands of people took off their shoes out of respect before entering the Shri Guru Ravidass temple to pray. Tejpal Virk, a chairman and event organizer said, “I’ve been coming to this temple since I was 14, 15, so it means a lot to me, you know, the prayers come through, you know, when you do it from your heart.”
Jodha Singh emphasized the inclusivity of the event, saying, “It doesn’t matter what you follow, what religion, what culture, what race, it doesn’t matter you can just come celebrate.”
Event organizers have already started planning next year’s 650th birth anniversary, which is expected to be a momentous celebration.
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