Sikh procession shares its history, culture

Sikh parade: The Dasmesh Darbar Sikh Temple in South Salem hosts a parade commemorating the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji on Sunday.

Jun. 16, 2013: Vibrant fabrics in fuchsia, blue and green flew in the wind. Chants praising the creator boomed from the speakers. Hundreds of walkers milled around the colorful parade floats — many of whom traveled to participate in the annual Salem event Sunday.

In the otherwise quiet neighborhoods of South Salem, the sounds of the procession loudly announced the presence of the Sikhs before residents poked their heads out to witness the dramatic parade.

The Dasmesh Darbar Sikh Temple organizes the event yearly to commemorate the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. And while the Salem Sikh community is small — a few hundred families — the event is among the largest in the Pacific Northwest, attendees said. Sikhs from across the West Coast participate, ensuring that the annual celebration does not go unnoticed.

The Panj Piare chant holy hymns before the start of the annual Sikh celebration honoring Guru Arjan Dev Ji at the Dasmesh Darbar Sikh Temple, in South Salem, on Sunday, June 16, 2013.

The Sikh religion is traced to Punjab, which is present day Pakistan and northern India. It is the fifth largest religion in the world, with 24 million followers.

Satnam Singh, teacher with the Kalgidhar Gatka Dal martial arts group from Seattle, performs during the annual Sikh celebration honoring Guru Arjan Dev Ji at the Dasmesh Darbar Sikh Temple, in South Salem, on Sunday. / TIMOTHY J. GONZALEZ / Statesman Journal

The procession traveled north on Commercial Street SE and stopped at the parking lot of South Salem High School, where attendees were fed vegetarian Indian food and snacks. Volunteers maneuvered the crowds serving plates of food, Mango lassi and tea. A helicopter flew overhead, dispersing red rose petals as the parade pulled into the lot.

On the stage were storytellers, who told the tale of the Guru, who is believed to have been tortured on a hot plate with hot sand poured over his head.

Paramjit Singh, who attended the event from Eugene, said Guru Arjan Dev Ji taught his followers that while the world is filled with destruction and hardship, love can transcend anything.

Salem Mayor Anna Peterson was a guest speaker at the event.

“I think it’s a wonderful way for the community to learn about the Sikh culture,” she said.

The nagar kirtan — or religious procession — is a big production, and every member of the Sikh temple pitches in, Jatinder Singh said.

“We want people to know who Sikhs are,” he said.

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