Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike gathered at Gurdwara Sahib San Jose in California to join Americans around the continent to celebrate American Independence Day on July 4th. There was a real sense of joy in the air as men, women and children congregated outside the largest Gurdwara in the United States to to witness some extraordinary displays of fireworks around the city. San Jose Gurdwara Sahib occupies almost 20,000 square feet and has been around since the mid 80's. The latest phase of its development was completed earlier this year and saw the grand opening of the new premises including a huge Darbaar Sahib and new langar hall.
The event itself was touching to see not only congregates from the Sikh faith gather, but also from other backgrounds and faiths. As the sun set, the crowds grew in large numbers to witness one of the largest celebrations in the American calendar. A special divaan was held inside in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee and children and adults were treated to free ice-cream all day until the congregation left.
Independence Day is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 which declared independence from the United Kingdom. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, political speeches and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States.
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One of the finest keertan jathas in the world, Bhai Satvinder Singh Delhi Wale, were at Riverside Gurdwara, California on 18th June 2011.
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Photos from the Mahaan Charity Keertan Darbaar where Bhai Gurpreet Singh performed keertan are up here
Eagerly awaited studio album of "Naad" by legendary keertani Bhai Harjinder Singh, Sri Nagar Wale.
