Los Angeles: For over two decades Sikhs in Los Angeles have worked together to celebrate Baisakhi, the first harvest of the year. In the spring of 1969, on Baisakhi day, the 10th guru (Guru Gobind Singh), gave Sikhs the directive to become protectors of the human spirit.

From then on, Sikhs all over the world have continued this tradition and practice based on the equality of all people, the right to worship freely, earning with honesty, sharing the power of prayer, meditation and bringing peace, love and joy to the world.About twenty Sikh Gurdwaras together with Sikh leaders put the event together at the Los Angeles convention center.

The events that took place on Sunday April 6 were celebrated by over 1500 Sikhs and included the ceremonies of asa di war, followed by recitation of Jaap Sahib, followed by Kirtan, speeches by different Sikh leaders and Jathas from various temples. There was also singing of De Shiva Bar Mo-eh-Ihai in the spirit of Baisakhi led by five ragi jathas. Some Sikh children performed to the drumbeat of "Nagaras" to demonstrate the strength of Khalsa.

A press conference highlighting Sikh community, and honoring the celebration of Sikhs in Los Angeles for over 100 years, was also held. Government officials Shwait Malik (the Mayor of Amritsar), State Assembly Member Mike Eng, State Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas and Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky attended the conference and emphasized how much Sikhs have contributed to the community, socially, culturally and economically.

Senator Mike Eng is currently working on a Bill that will promote the teaching of diversity, respect and tolerance in the school systems. Sikh community leaders, Daya Singh Khalsa and Nirinjan Singh Khalsa emphasized the message of Sikhism, which is to be good educators, leaders and promote understanding. The Sikh religion is the fifth largest religion in the world. The recognition of a true Sikh is the identity of his turban. This is considered a crown of spirituality.

It is a mark of social status. Sikhs believe in one God who sustains all people, men and women in all spheres including religion.Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa also made a special appearance, where he donned a turban commemorating the Sikh community and expressing his respect towards the Sikh nation.Also included in this year's program was a special ceremony of Mai Bhago Spirit Baisakhi Awards, which gave recognition to Sikh women for sharing the message of Sikh Gurus.

The honorees were: Dr. Harjot Kaur Singh (Canadian Film Producer), Inni Kaur Dhingra (VP of Spectrum Communications) Penny Yogiraj Sandhu (President and CEO of JusPunjabi Channel), Valarie Kaur (Sikh American Film director and writer), Shanti Kaur Khalsa (Sikh writer and Chairwomen of International Khalsa Council).

The ceremony ended with a grand procession of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Nagar Kirtan; surrounded by beautifully decorated floats and colorful banners signifying messages of Sikh spirituality.