Annual Sikh Parade

Well I feel so blessed and honored to have attended the 25^th Annual Sikh Parade in New York City. For years I wanted to attend this Parade and last weekend I was finally able to fulfill my wish.
A little background about the Sikh Parade —
Annual Sikh Parade is known as Nagar (Area) Kirtan (singing the praises of god) in punjabi, the mother tongue of Sikhs. The Sikh Parade celebrates Vaisakhi which has a very special significance in Sikhism. This is same day when Sikhism got it’s unique identity to keep hair and beards, on this same day Khalsa (Pure) was formed. Its a day when Sikhs all around the world celebrate the Birth of a nation, Khalsa.
The Annual NYC Sikh Parade Manhattan is a Vaisakhi Day celebration and takes place in the month of April corresponding to the Sikhism calendar Nanakshahi month of Vaisakh. The NYC Sikh Day Parade welcomes participants of interfaith communities, elected members of public office and is open to the public. Everyone is welcome and all are encouraged to attend The New York City Sikh Day Parade is an annual Nagar Kirtan event featuring Gatka demonstrations and langar, free vegetarian food and non alcoholic drinks for every one.
Sikhs in and around NYC have been having this parade from the last 25 years in Manhattan between 38^th street and Madison Avenue. Gurudwaras (Sikh Temples) from all over New York, New Jersey, Conneticut, Maryland participated in this year’s parade. It started at 11 in the morning and lasted till 6 in the evening. NYPD band also participated in the parade. Sangat (people) from different Gurudwaras and faiths participated in this parade. Different groups performed Gatka (Sikh Martial Art) during the course of the parade.
The parade ended at the Madison Square Park and free food was served at the end of the parade in the park. I look forward to the next year’s parade.