The streets of Tauranga were flooded with Sikh community members on Saturday, January 6, who came out in big numbers on a cloudy day with full zeal.
The occasion was to celebrate the birth anniversary of 10th guru of Sikhs- Guru Gobind Singh.
Gurudwara Sikh Sangat on Burrows St in Tauranga, with the generous contributions and support from the Sikh community, organised the fifth nagar kirtan and thousands of devotees joined the parade under the guidance of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and the leadership of panj pyaare (the five beloved).
Large floats carrying people and decorated with bright flowers, garlands and balloons were followed by thousands of devotees, while their way was being cleared with brooms by other devotees.
(Photo: NZ Herald)
Gurdwara Sikh Sangat temple president Puran Singh said that it was a great occasion for the Sikh community to come together and celebrate.
“It is our way of showing other communities what we are about," he said.
"Every year it has grown, today we've got more than 3000 people here and some have come from as far as Auckland, Hamilton and Hastings," Mr Singh added.
(Photo: NZ Herald)
The parade left the gurudwara to 14th Avenue before gathering at Tauranga Boys' College and making its way back to the temple for langar (shared lunch).
"Today is our Guru’s birthday, it is the most significant day for us," said Kharag Singh, who travelled from Auckland for the occasion, along with several others.
About Guru Gobind Singh (January 5, 1667–October 21, 1708)
-Born in Patna, Bihar, India
-10th and last of the human form Gurus of Sikhism who helped shape the religion
-Fought for equality and freedom during his time
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