Estimated 60,000 Attend Sikh Parade in Yuba City

November 6, 2005

Source: NRIInternet

http://www.nriinternet.com/Events/USA/YubaCity/Yuba_Nov_Mela/110605.htm

On November 6, 2005 NRI Internet reported, "More than 55,000 attended the annual parade today in Yuba City, California commemorating the receipt by Sikhs of their Holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, in 1708. Every year on the first Sunday of November, Sikhs from throughout the United States, Canada, England and India attended the celebration. That was 26th annual Sikh Parade in Yuba City on Sunday. The 4 and 1/2 mile parade, lined by an estimated 60,000 people, featured floats and a procession of parade participants. From Friday morning until Sunday morning, the entire 1,430-page text [of the Guru Granth Sahib] was read aloud, then carried onto a lavishly decorated float and ushered down Butte House Road, a crew of volunteers continuously sweeping the street in front of its path. For the past over 100 years the Punjabi population in the Yuba Sutter area has grown to be one of the largest in the United States. The Punjabi American Heritage Society each year presents a festival to promote a better understanding the Punjabi community, its colorful history and the many contributions they make to this region. The one day event at the Yuba Sutter Fairgrounds features Punjabi performers, East Indian cuisine and crafts and educational booths."