Previous

Next

Ask a Question

Summary of Question:	What Happens At Espanola, New Mexico Gurudwara On Guru Gaddi....
Category:	Other
Date Posted:	Thursday, 7/12/2001 11:47 PM MDT

Sat Shri Akal,

My question is regarding the Guru Gaddi Day Procession at Espanola, New Mexico Gurudawara. I would like to know what kind of proceedings take place on this particular day.

Sat Onkar

---
reply
----

As I live here in Espanola, I thought I would answer this question. Espanola is a small town; the ashram is just South of the town itself. There is a small town and even rural feeling about the ashram setting. It is very beautiful here in the Fall, with the turning of the Aspen trees, everything is golden and shimmering. It is usually getting cold by Guru Gaddi Day...we've even had snow some years. We usually have evening kirtans, followed by langar, in different people's homes the week evenings before the actually Sunday Guru Gaddi Gurdwara, which is very cozy and sweet. The Gurdwara and Palki which carries the Guru on the procession is specially decorated
for that day. On the Sunday morning of the Gurdwara, we usally have a breakfast at a sangat member's home. The Guru is brought to that home and we all line up for the procession. There is a Gatke demonstration and Gatke warriors in the front of the procession. Next comes the Panj, made up of men and women. The Guru carried on a palki comes next. Anyone who wants to carry the Guru can take turns, men and women. There is usually a flatbed truck, carrying a jatha and anyone who can't walk, which follows the Guru. Everyone chants as we walk. The procession is short, only a couple of blocks, but the spirits are high. When we reach the Gurdwara, the Guru is brought inside, the pilgrims follow, a hukum is taken and the Gurbani begins. Gurdwara is followed by a specially delicious lungar. Come visit us some time. Guru Ram Das's birthday time is especially beautiful as well. GTKK