Here is the video of the LA Vaisakhi celebration that took place on Sunday, April 7, 2024:

Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa – Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh!

This past April 7^th, thousands of Sikhs across California and beyond once again gathered at the Los Angeles Convention Center to commemorate Vaisakhi Day with a full day Kirtan Darbar and Nagar Kirtan.

Vaisakhi Day marks the day in 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh codified the disciplined and devoted way of life know as Khalsa, the Pure. It is a day that symbolizes the cycle of birth, death, rebirth, and renewal. It is a day to remind us to live with strong bodies, mental clarity, and with spiritual vitality, dignity and grace. We are to stand out, distinct in our dress, our Bana, in this world and we are to stand for service to humanity in whatever large or small way that we may. Our clarity of consciousness, forged through the strength of our disciplined practice of Guru’s teachings is to radiate and reflect the true essence of Guru’s light through us and unto whoever we meet, wherever we are.

As always, this event included the cooperation of dozens of California Gurdwaras, and began at Guru Ram Das Ashram at 1620 Preuss Rd with the recitation of Japji Sahib at 3:40 am followed by an Asa di Var program sung by the Chardi Kala Jatha. A special caravan of cars following Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji escorted by Motorcycle Officers proceeded froom Guru Ram Das Ashram to the LA Convention Center. After the opening Hukam read from Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji the Kirtan Darbar began. The program included Ragi Jathas from across southern and central California along with many youth kirtan groups. Special guest dignitaries were invited to wish the Sadh Sangat across the globe a Happy Vaisakhi.

The annual Nagar Kirtan (Parade) took place with specially decorated floats and Gatka (Khalsa Martial Arts) demonstrations through a two-mile area of downtown Los Angeles.

Guru’s Langar was served throughout the day along with an after-parade langar service. A wonderful Bazaar including Sikh art, jewelry, books, the 5 Ks and more was also available throughout the day.