A SPECTACULAR BAISAKHI GATHERING AT THE GURDWARA SIKH SATSANG IN INDIANAPOLIS
Los Angeles/Apr 15, 2025
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/A.Gary Singh
We witnessed a great joy and a spirit of thanksgiving as over 3,000 people participated in and commemorated the 326th historic Baisakhi (or Vaisakhi), now popularly known as Khalsa Sirjana Divas, at Anandpur Sahib, Punjab India.
A WORD ABOUT THE SIKH BAISAKHI: On that Baisakhi Day (March 29, 1999) the Tenth Sikh Guru Gobind Singh created the Khalsa, a dedicated army of saint-soldiers who will henceforth be the defenders of human dignity, liberators of India from foreign yoke and tyranny of the rulers, and will champion the freedom and sacred rights for all people. This transformational moment was a turning point in Sikh history and the visionary and revolutionary concept of the equality, justice, sanctity of all faiths, cultures, nationalities and communities remain a solemn commitment and tradition of Sikh faith followers. Guru Gobind Singh placed a cardinal mandate in his Divinely inspired writings: "O, Mortal, Recognize all Humanity as one Race."
A BRIEF HIGHLIGHT ABOUT GURU GOBIND SINGH (1666-1708): The Tenth Sikh Guru (Enlightened Teacher) is regarded as a dazzling Spiritual Light; a Man of Letters - a poet, scholar, and musician; an amazing teacher with a radiant persona. The amazing and Divinely-blessed Spiritual Patshah, Guru Gobind Singh ji, was a champion of human dignity and one of the bravest freedom fighter who sacrificed his entire family to uproot tyranny and to advance a spirit of liberation, unity, and the service to all humanity.
AT THE GURDWARA SIKH SATSANG IN INDIANAPOLIS: Seeing such a large multicultural and multi-generational attendance was a joyful sight. Hearing magnificent Shabads (Sikh Hymns) and the listen to the discourse about the life, times, and events of the Baisakhi of 1999 and since, was an informative and illuminating blessing.
There was a pleasant surprise and an immense joy and thanksgiving in the air - Sikh Sangat (congregants) engaged in cooking and serving the Langar (community Vegetarian Meal); spirited fellowship under the large welcome Tent and outside in the Parking Courtyard. The present Gurdwara is no longer big enough to the meet the growing needs of the Hoosier Sikh community and the congregation that gathers regularly at this Gurdwara. The attached photos provide a glimpse of the culture, tradition, and spirit of the 2025 Baisakhi celebration at Gurdwara Sikh Satsang.
The long-time dream of the New Gurdwara at the Crossroads of America in the Hoosier Heartland is taking shape on a 20-acre site. There was excitement that the new large Gurdrwara will accommodate many important services and would be a significant architectural addition to the spiritual landscape of Indiana. The new Building is expected to be completed in the fourth week of December 2025. People were contributing funds for the new building. The first phase of new Gurdwara Building and is expected to cost NEARLY 20 Million U.S. Dollars. Our hearty congratulations to Gurpreet Singh ( GSS-President); Maninder Singh Walia, Harpreet Sandhu, Hardy Sikand (Dedicating Coordinating LeaderSevadars), the Gurdwara Executive Committee and the entire Gurdwara Sikh Satsang Family and our friends in Indiana and across the Nation for their generous support and participation in this New Gurdwara Sikh Satsang Building Project.
IN FAITH AND BY DIVINE GRACE: From one or two Sikhs back in 1967, today estimates of Hoosier Sikh population in central Indiana run around 12,000-15,000 families. They are adding to our economy and cultural attractions; have brought many professions, businesses and crafts, critical services and specialty shops, and robust festive vibrancy to the heartland. The new Hoosiers find the Hoosier Heartland as an attractive place to start businesses and make it their home. They have been and are, in search of being valued partners to our City and the State of Indiana. Who could have imagined this moment over five decades ago. But then again, it could not have happened without the generosity and blessings of our leaders and the warm Hoosier welcome mat.
A Happy and Blessed Baisakhi (Vaisakhi) Greetings to the Sikh community and our friends in other faith traditions worldwide. - KP Singh (KP Singh Designs) - USA - April 13, 2025.
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