Sikh Community Celebrates Baisakhi in Manipal

By Rahul Kumar
Daijiworld Media Network Manipal

Manipal, Apr 14: Baisakhi (Punjab New Year) was celebrated in Manipal on Sunday, April 13 with full fervour. A special programme on this occasion was held at Vaishnavi hall at Manipal. The function began with a procession around 10:30 am from Gurudwara Sahib Manipal along with the holy scriptures of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Then there was a prayer held followed by kirtan which was similar to the bhajans. Kirtan ended at 1.30 pm. Then people in large number thronged to the place near Big Boss hotel where Gatka was organized. Gatka is a kind of martial art practiced mainly by Sikhs.

It is said to be incorporated by the 6th Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, in order to establish a Saint Soldier who is both spiritually and temporally sound. There were about 1000 people attending and watching the function. The Gatka show was amazing and people were overwhelmed to see it.

Says Ravindra, 2nd year student, Manipal Institute of Technology, “It was nice to see students of different colleges celebrating baisakhi together at one place. I really enjoyed watching the Gatka show and I am also looking forward to participate in this provided similar function is organized next year too."

After Gatka was over, langar was served to everyone. Food for the langar was prepared by students of Manipal University only. Refreshments were served throughout the day to all the people who came to celebrate baisakhi there. Lassi was also provided to fend off the killing heat. A special chef Satinderpal Singh, who works at Leela Palace, Bangalore and is an alumnus of Manipal University, had come from Bangalore to help the students in cooking.