CHICAGO: Sikhs from Palatine Gurdwara celebrated Vaisakhi with students and members of Partners of our Community, commonly known as POC.
Vaisakh is a month in Indian calendar and Sikhs were baptized on April 13 to be called Khalsa. Thakar Singh Basati organized the program and importance of Vaisakhi as a harvest festival was explained. Bhai Mohinder Singh explained the importance of turban in Sikh religion. He explained some important aspects of Sikh religion to attendees.
Dr Jasbir Kaur Saluja, President Sikh Religious Society, welcomed people to the ceremony which consisted of giving Happy Vaisakhi goody bags that contained Vaisakhi greeting cards made by Mandeep Kaur Gill and paper about Sikh religion provided by S Kuldip Singh Makker. Of course there were goodies in it too.
Sweet rice and vegetarian Parantha (stuffed chapatti) were made by priests of Sikh Religious Society who are taking free English classes there. Bhai Parminderjit Singh recited Sikh Ardaas (prayer). Bhai Mohinder Singh explained the meaning of Ardaas.
Some Bhangra steps were also taught. Turbans were tied to non-Sikhs. They were invited to visit the Gurdwara. Thakar Basati is on the Executive Board of POC and also one of founding members of POC.
Surendra Ullal
