Weekend of Religious Devotion and Celebration in Yuba City Brings 50,000 Sikhs From Across America

Starting Friday, October 31st and ending with the 24th annual parade on Sunday, November 2nd, more than 50,000 Sikhs from around the world are expected to descend on Yuba City, California for a weekend of religious devotion and celebration. The parade commemorates the receipt by Sikhs of the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh Holy Book) in 1708 and the parade will also end 48 hours of prayer at the Sikh Temple Yuba City.

(PRWEB) November 1, 2003

YUBA CITY, CA., October 31, 2003 – Sikhs from across America have started arriving in Yuba City for the traditional weekend of religious devotion and celebration. By the time the weekend ends on Sunday with the 24th annual parade, an estimated 50,000 Sikhs will have spent an estimated $5 million with local businesses.

“If each of these visitors spends just $100, the economic stimulus for our communities will be just as important as President Bush’s tax cut,” said Didar Singh Bains, Parade Chairman.

“With their success in agriculture and agriculture related businesses, Sikhs provide the spark that helps ignite the economic engine in Sutter – Yuba Counties,” said Kash Gill, Chairman, Yuba - Sutter Chamber of Commerce.

Starting at 10 am today, and continuing for the next 48 hours, the Sikhs Holy Book, the Guru Granth Sahib will be read around the clock. This weekend commemorates the receipt by Sikhs of the Guru Granth Sahib in 1708, presented by their tenth Guru (spiritual teacher) to provide perpetual spiritual guidance.

Once again, more than 100,000 free meals will be prepared and distributed at no charge. Behind the concept of providing free meals to all is one of the core Sikh values called Seva (say-va), or daily selfless service to humanity. And the value that inspired the Red Cross & other humanitarian aid organizations.

“The Sikh Temple Yuba City is open 365 days a year for anyone in need of a place to sleep or a meal,” said Dilbag Singh Bains, President, Sikh Temple Yuba City. Sikhs consider it a privilege and honor to serve people that come to their Temple.

People of all races, religions or gender are invited and expected to join the Sikhs in celebrating the message of universal love and brotherhood/sisterhood as taught in the Guru Granth Sahib. Sikhism is over 500 years old, the fifth largest religion in world and the second largest faith in the Yuba -Sutter area.

The parade starts at approximately 10:30 am from the Sikh Temple Yuba City, 2468 Tierra Buena Road, and winds through the streets of town. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early. At any time, people are encouraged to make their way to the Temple for some great food and refreshing drinks.

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