The streets were filled with colorful saris and turbans and the smell of traditional Indian dishes.
The third annual festival in Bakersfield, California celebrating the birth of Sikhism was held Sunday.
Bakersfield.com reports the festival “marks the day the Sikh’s 10th guru created the Khalsa Panth, or the community of initiated Sikhs.” Sikhs donate food to the community and come together to celebrate, just as they do daily at each of their temples throughout the city.”
The festivals stress the importance of equality, generosity, and the coming together of all diverse peoples. Chris Parlier, Bakersfield City Councilman for the 7th Ward, the heart of the Sikh community in Bakersfield, contends the Sikh community looks out for the entire Bakersfield community.
According to the New York Daily News, California was not the only state that experienced this livid wave of culture. Thousands of participants also came out to listen to live music and dance in their 31st annual Sikh parade.
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