LOS ANGELES: The Sikh Gurdwara of Los Angeles, 7640 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, celebrated Sri Guru Granth Sahib's Pratham Parkash Utsav Gurpurb in a magnificent way on Monday Sept. 3 which was the Labor Day holiday.

The parking lot was full with vehicles of people who had driven from near and far to attend and inside the hall was packed with Sangat listening to the melodious keertan from various Ragis and others including children's groups from other gurdwaras. Some of the Sikh children jathas included Riverside Gurdwara School, Al Hambra Sikh School, Buena Park Sikh School, Guru Ram Das Ashram Sikh School, Sikh Valley Temple School, Lankershim Sikh School. Keertan was also performed by Keertan Ragi Jathas of Guru Ram Das Gurdwara Sahib, Giani Gurmukh Singh, Prof. Ranjit Singh, Bhai Jaswant Singh-Riverside Gurdwara, Bhai Ajit Singh-Buena Park Gurdwara, Bhai Raghbir Singh -Walnut Gurdwara, Bhai Sarbjit Singh Khalsa, Bhai Sohan Singh Rasia, Bhai Ajit Singh Nimana-Vermont Gurdwara, Hazoori Ragi Bhai Gurdip Singh - Lankershim Gurdwara and a short but sweet keertan rendition by Singh Sahib Prof. Darshan Singh.Prof. Darshan Singh had flown in from Toronto and had very little time to spend with the Sangat as he had a flight to catch for San Francisco as soon as his Keertan ended.

One highlight of the Gurpurb celebration was the arrival of Congressman Brad Sherman (Sherman Oaks). He was an impressive figure as he wore a turban to the Gurdwara in due respect. He was thanked by the Committee members for his untiring work for the Sikh community and being there for anyone who needed his help. He was presented with a plaque and spoke to the congregation after the presentation.

He touched upon the difficult times faced by the Sikh Community regarding mistaken identity where Sikhs are victims of hate crimes by people who were ignorant and some who were plain 'stupid'. Congressman Sherman reiterated that he is working hard to ameliorate the situation and that his good offices are open and receptive to any questions his constituents may have.As always, Guru Ka Langar and other refreshments were served by the Sewadars and the variety available made it a cornucopia of love and sharing.