By SHAMSHIR KAUR
For the Kent Reporter
Beautiful bright colors could be seen from afar, with orange turbans and scarfs particularly standing out.
Downtown Kent was a sight to see last Saturday as the Sikh community came together at the ShoWare Center for Vaisakhi, a holy day celebration.
The sun-graced Vaisakhi 2013 Day of Empowerment presented a festival filled with music, programs, exhibits and a parade. The annual Nagar Kirtan, a Sikh processional custom, is held on behalf of the Gurdwara (place of worship) Singh Sabha of Renton.
The Nagar Kirtan parade went off without a hitch with thousands of spectators in attendance.
Inside the ShoWare Center, the Darbar Sahib (main prayer hall) was set up with elegance and detail.
Local luminaries who spoke included Kent Mayor Suzette Cook, Gov. Jay Inslee, Lt. Gov. Brad Owen, Renton Chief Administrative Officer Jay Covington, Republican Party Rep. Rob McKenna, and Washington State Patrol Chief John R. Batiste.
The Nagar Kirtan began by turning onto James Street and following into a large square to end back to the center after about 1.2 miles.
The Sikh Motorcycle Club, with local and international members, jubilantly led the parade with their Harley-Davidsons in full roar. Gatka (Sikh martial arts) was practiced throughout the parade by the local Gatka team. The Pang Pyare (The Five Beloved Ones) walked behind the motorcycle club with their swords held high and proud.
In the center’s parking lot, tents offered free food throughout the day. Everything from Mango lassi (buttermilk) to Chole Bhature (Indian-flavored garbanzo beans with fried tortilla bread) was available to anyone who walked by, hungry or not.
The exhibits were popular, with children and adults taking in the history and artifacts on display. A Sikh Military Heritage Exhibit, featuring the Victory Medal of Pvt. Buckam Singh, the only known surviving Sikh soldier from World War I, was a big draw.
Many adults were on hand to tie turbans on anyone, young and old.
The public came out to show support in honor of the Sikh holy day, wearing orange and navy, the true colors of the Khalsa (The Order of the Pure Ones).
The Kent Police Department kept the parade on route in a timely manner.
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