Letter: Sikh event brings togetherness

I was pleased to read your Nov. 4 article about the Yuba City Sikh Parade titled "Yuba City Sikh Parade is lesson in food, culture."

The Yuba City Sikh Parade draws many from within and outside of the region and is considered the largest of its kind in America.

It is heartwarming to see that people not familiar with Yuba City's pioneering Sikh community also come to celebrate with Sikhs on the installation in 1708 of their sacred scriptures, the Guru Granth Sahib, as their living Guru.

Beyond simply offering free food, the practice of sharing food with others is rooted in the Sikh tradition of "langar," started 500 years ago by the first Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Nanak. Sikhs enthusiastically continue this tradition today in our Gurdwaras (houses of worship) and public celebrations.

To share meals selflessly with others regardless of religion, background, gender and social status is an important aspect of the Sikh faith.

By breaking bread with each other, langar is an expression of humility and equality that reminds us that we are all of one humanity. In a country that we often describe as being divided, residents of Yuba City should be proud to share in this tradition with their neighbors near and far. That we do certainly says something about what it means to be American today.

Winty Singh

Elk Grove