On Saturday, Nov. 1, events begin at 9 a.m. with the raising of the Nishan Sahib (the Sikh religious flag) on the temple grounds. Photo by Chris Pedigo

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) – The annual Sikh festival will return this year starting on Friday, Oct. 31. Festival-goers and local trick-or-treaters can expect fireworks around 8 p.m. on Friday, following the Kirtan Darbar (singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib).

On Saturday, Nov. 1, events begin at 9 a.m. with the raising of the Nishan Sahib (the Sikh religious flag) on the temple grounds. A continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib will be underway throughout the weekend. Then on Sunday morning, Nov. 2, the main parade — the Nagar Kirtan — launches at approximately 11 a.m., starting from the Sikh Temple Gurdwara at 2468 Tierra Buena Road in Yuba City, travelling down Tierra Buena Road to Butte House Road, Civic Center Boulevard, Poole Boulevard, Tharp Road and returning to the Temple grounds. Residents and travelers should expect road closures throughout the Tierra Buena neighborhood of Yuba City.

Temple President Sarb Thiara reported that last year’s event was the largest on record, drawing anywhere from 100,000 to more than 200,000 people. Officials and organizers expect the same number or more this year and have stated they are working to maintain safety protocols and increase law-enforcement presence.

Shuttle services will be offered from both River Valley High School and the Yuba College Sutter County Center to and from the Temple festivities. This year’s shuttle service is being provided by Sacramento-based Amador Stage Lines. Similar to last year, the official parade permit has reportedly been denied; however, the parade is still expected to go ahead. The parade route is as described above with the start and return via Tierra Buena, Butte House, Civic Center, Poole and Tharp.

The Sikh festival is a religious event meant to celebrate the installation of the Guru Granth Sahib as the living Guru and to reaffirm the values of service, community and faith through the Sikh tradition of the Nagar Kirtan. While it celebrates Indian/Punjabi culture, the organizers emphasize that it is open to the public and all are welcome to attend and enjoy the festivities — including fireworks and an abundance of free food and cultural displays.