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| Hundreds of Sikhs march alongside the float bearing Guru Granth Sahib on Peach Avenue during last year’s parade in Livingston. Ed Crisostomo Modesto Bee file |
The 17th annual Sikh festival made its way into town on Sunday, drawing crowds of more than 3,500 from all over California.
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| Turlock’s Tarsen Singh holds a ceremonial sword with other Sikhs leading the float carrying the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book, during the 2014 parade celebrating the Sikh holiday of Holla Mohalla in downtown Livingston. Elias Funez Modesto Bee file |
The free event featured a festive procession with bright colors, lively music and awe-inspiring displays of swordfighting. The display of mock battles and swordsmanship is a tradition dating back more than 300 years.
The festival also gives attendees a taste of many traditional foods.
The parade lasted about four hours, beginning at noon at the Gurdwara Sahib Temple at 2765 Peach Ave., then move along Main Street to the Guru Nanak Temple on B Street.
Livingston Mayor Pro Tem Gurpal Samra, who helps organize the event, said it isn’t only for Sikhs, but for everyone in Livingston and beyond. Thousands of people from Fresno, Los Angeles and the Bay Area make their way to Livingston for one of the biggest Sikh events in the region.
The Sikh festival is funded solely by donations, according to organizers.
Sikhism is a religion that was founded in India. It has 27 million followers, more than 5 million of them living outside India. Sikhs make up nearly 20 percent of Livingston’s population.