Making A Difference

USA/New York

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USA/New York
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Gurdeep Singh Narula, one of the organisers, says that the New York area already has one of the largest concentrations of Sikhs in the US. On April 24, they will be joined by Sikhs from just about every state sporting saffron-coloured turbans and dupattas.

The Broadway parade-expected to see a number of prominent politicians and Congressmen from Washington-will feature colourfully decorated floats. Hymns will accompany the initial, more religious-oriented floats, but the bhangra beat will liven up the procession later. It ends with a full-scale Sikh langar.

Though Sikhs are a familiar sight on the New York landscape, it isn't always easy being one. "We are so distinct from the crowd," says Harpreet Singh, a graduate in charge of rallying young Sikhs in the New York area. "People are constantly badgering us about why we wear turbans and stuff like that. But at the same time, we can really hold onto our identity here. The 300th anniversary celebrations is a moment of joy because we've come so far."

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The Khalsa Day parade is also important, says Jaspreet Singh, an immigration attorney in Jackson Heights, Queens-New York's "Little India"-because it will really show New York what Sikhism is all about. Sikhs from all walks of New York life-lawyers and doctors, bankers and businessmen, taxi drivers and subway token vendors-will come together to celebrate the basic tenets of equality that have governed the Khalsa.

And of course, the occasion couldn't be complete without a big party-that's being taken care of by the younger crowd.

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