In one of the unique celebrations of its kind, the combined Sikh Sadh Sangat of Arizona got together to celebrate the 350th Prakash Utsav of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, its 10th Master, the Father of Sikh Identity in the Downtown Phoenix Convention Center. A Religio-Social event over the entire day was arranged on January 15th where the mood was festive but sprinkled with religious fervor. Over thousand people arrived from all over including the entire valley as well as from towns such as Tucson.
Inside a mega-sized Convention Center Hall located at 475 E Monroe Street, continuous Keertan starting at 10:30 am was first performed by children of Khalsa School of Guru Nanak Dwara and then by Punjabi School Nishkam Seva. It was then followed by the Ragi jethas of three Gurdwara Sahibs of Phoenix. After that guest Jetha of Bibi Baljeet Kaur from India mesmerized the entire Sangat by her melodious Keertan.
Four special guests Rev. Larry Fultz, executive Director of Arizona Interfaith Movement, Jeri Williams Police Chief of Phoenix City Police and head priest of St. Mary's Basilica in Downtown as well as a special well-known national level Sikh Community Activist Dr. Rajwant Singh Washington D.C. were then recognized on stage. He also talked about Sikh Awareness and efforts that he has done for ecoSikhs, an organization that is deeply dedicated for environmental cleanliness.
Nagar Keertan (street Procession) started at 3:00 PM under the blessings of Guru Sahib Guru Granth Sahib ji through the streets of Downtown Phoenix led by Punj Pyare and followed by the entire congregation. Several large banners describing Sikh history Sikh philosophy, Unique identity of the Sikhs as well as hate crime against Sikhs were hand carried throughout the Nagar Keertan by children wearing baana as well as adults wearing blue or saffron turbans.
While this was going on inside, a hot breakfast consisting of several items i.e pakoras, jalebees, Indian Sweets, Chaats, samosas were continuously and free or charge served to hundreds and hundreds of people Sikhs or non-Sikhs. A hot delicious vegetarian lunch lungar after Nagar Keertan then began in a park-like-setting right across by over 20 volunteers who had been cooking and working for three days then began. Every attendee as well as any passerby and anybody else who happened to be there was able to enjoy this Sikh benevolence.
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