WALNUT, CA: Melodious sounds filled the air as thousands of people gathered at the Shri Guru Singh Sabha- Walnut to celebrate the 540th Nanakshahi year. People from Artesia to Riverside came to celebrate a new year and a new start by taking part in joyous religious festivities.

The function took place in the heart of Orange County just after rush hour settled on the 60 freeway near the Gurudwara. There were over fifteen stalls serving different types of foods, snacks, and sweets. Throughout the night volunteers were taking part serving the Langar at the stalls; some serving tea while others served Pani Puri.

The langar sewa was donated by Nachattar Singh Bhullar Family, Bhupinder Singh Family, and Kulwajt Singh Family. Some of the snacks were Dahi Bhalla, Alloo Chat, Chat Papri, Ice cream, various Indian Sweets, Sambhar Vada, Chhole Puri, Fruit Chat, Jalebi Milk, Paneer Pakora, Cold Drinks, Tea, Gol Gappa, etc.

On this propitious occasion brothers Ikmanpreet Singh Sawhney and Jasjeet Singh Sawhney distributed free toys to the children. As the food was one of the highlights of the occasion, inside the Gurudwara various Ragi Jathas sang Kirtan and created a welcoming atmosphere as not only Sikhs but also non-Indians came to join in the festivities. Accenting the night sky was the beautiful display of fireworks that filled the air around 10pm.

The lights made kids and parents stare in awe as they rang in the New Year.The Nanakshahi calendar is a solar calendar that was adopted by the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandak committee to determine the dates for important Sikh events. The calendar has been in use since 1998. The calendar starts with the birth of Guru Nanak Devji.

New Year's Day falls annually on March 14. The Gurudwara Walnut was very pleased by the support of the sangat of southern California. Gurudwara Walnut will continue to celebrate major Sikh events in order to spread the awareness about the Sikhism and Punjabi community in Southern California.