Shri Kalgidhar Sahib better-known Takanini Gurudwara hosted a day of fun and activity celebrating its annual Sikh Children Day on Saturday, October 5 at its premises.
The first and the biggest Gurudwara in New Zealand hosted approximately 2000 members of the Sikh community over two days conducting a range of activities for children aged four onwards.
The event included indoor and outdoor activities religious recitals (reciting Gurbani, kirtan), gatka, dastar-bandi, poetry, speech, Sikh art display, essay writing etc.
“This annual event under the wing of parent body Supreme Sikh Society brings children of different age groups with a variety of talents, both in sports, culture and religious recitals and give their best in different competitions held,” Spokesperson from Supreme Sikh Society, Daljit Singh said.
Present at the event were community leaders, Hon Consul of India Bhav Dhillon, Leader of Opposition Simon Bridges, National Party MP Kanwaljit Bakshi, children and their parents and people from adjoining areas to observe the event.
“Events like this invites young talents to show their skills and what they have learnt in Gurudwaras- and more importantly, it brings them closer to their culture and replenishes their knowledge about Sikh religion, its teachings and values.
Sikh Children Day, as an annual event has grown manifold over the years with participants travelling from as far as Hastings, Tauranga, Palmerston North, Bay of Plenty, Hamilton and different corners of Auckland city.
Participants during the event wear special uniforms to perform Gatka, the Sikh Martial art, recite kirtan, play musical instruments, draw and paint different Sikh artefacts including portraits of Guru Nanak, his teachings, messages and values in different images etc.
Participants in different age categories also get certificates and trophies for their performances in all forms of activities.
Attending guests and dignitaries lauded the efforts of the parents, Takanini Gurudwara, its teachers and all participants for their time and efforts learning more about their culture and religion.