Te Puke Times

Colourful celebratio­n

Sikh Parade returns after two year absence

- Stuart Whitaker

After a two year, pandemic enforced absence, Te Puke Sikh Parade created a colourful celebratio­n through the town on Saturday. The parade started at the Sikh Temple on No 3 Rd, then travelled on Atuaroa Ave, and on to Jellicoe St to the town centre.

Bay of Plenty Sikh Associatio­n secretary Lehmber Singh says last time the parade was held it was estimated there were around 3000 participan­ts and this time people felt the parade was even bigger.

He says all the feedback he has heard since the event has been positive.

One of the principles of Sikhism is to share success and, at the parade, this was shown by giving away food and drinks.

“Everybody enjoyed the food and the people I talked to thought it was very nice and were very happy. We will do it again next year.”

The parade paused in the town centre for speakers from the Sikh community before returning to the temple.

 ?? ?? Five flag bearers, close to the front of the parade.
Five flag bearers, close to the front of the parade.
 ?? ?? The parade on Atuaroa Ave.
The parade on Atuaroa Ave.
 ?? ?? Sewandars sweep the ground ahead of Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism.
Sewandars sweep the ground ahead of Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism.
 ?? ?? The five Panj Piare (the five beloved of the Guru).
The five Panj Piare (the five beloved of the Guru).
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