More than 300 people across different age groups participated in the fourth annual Sikh Walk on Saturday (November 12, 2022).
The 12 km walk started from Gurudwara Shri Dashmesh Darbar on Kolmar Road in Papatoetoe at 9:45 am. It went through Great South Road to Gurudwara Nanaksar Sahib in Manurewa, ending around 12:30 pm at Shri Kalgidhar Sahib Gurudwara in Takanini.
It was officially opened by Giani Harpreet Singh, Jathedar (Head priest), Sri Akal Akal Takht Sahib ( one of five takhts (seats of power) of the Sikhs, located in the Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) complex in Amritsar, Punjab, India.) who especially came from India. It was launched by Daljit Singh, President New Zealand Central Sikh Association (NZCSA) and Prithi Pal Singh, Chairman of NZCSA.
The NZCSA is a national body that brings together 25 Gurdwaras, Sikh sports clubs, Sikh associations and other bodies spread across New Zealand under a single umbrella. It represents 70,000 Sikhs in this country and endeavours to unite the entire Sikh community in NZ on a common platform to address issues concerning their people and seek solutions.
Senior Sikhs Balbir Singh Basra and Jagjit Singh Kathuria headed the Walk.
Daljit explains the Walk's purpose: "The purpose of the annual event, which is now in its fourth edition, is dual. First being that it replicates the spiritual walks taken by Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, with his Udasis (followers), who walked more than 28,000 km in his lifetime to spread the message of God to the masses in all corners of the world, and the second to encourage people of the community to walk as it is the simplest forms of exercise and has immeasurable health benefits. It aims to create awareness about the health benefits of walking.”
He adds, “Walking is crucial for everyone to keep them healthy irrespective of age, lifestyle, gender, and ethnicity. It was great to see enthusiastic participation of men, women and children of all ages."
Numerous volunteers supported the event by managing the parade of walkers through the footpaths and roads, clearing the traffic to ensure that the Walk went smoothly. The volunteers helped them with water, fruits, and juice on the way and assisted seniors who wanted to take a break and rest for a while before proceeding towards their destination in Takanini.
The worshippers chanted hymns while they walked from one destination to the other and were served with langar at Takanini Gurudwara upon reaching.
Harjinder Kaur, one of the walkers, shared her experience participating in the Sikh Walk. She said, "It was such a divine experience to participate in this walk while chanting shabads and remembering Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It was also an excellent opportunity to learn about Guru Nanak Sahib's journeys from fellow Sikhs. It was a great exercise as well. I look forward to the next one. It is a great effort for the Sikh community."