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    Posted April 22, 2012 by
    RVCFOTO
    Location
    New York, New York

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    Sikh Celebration-NYC

    By RVCFOTO  |  Posted April 22, 2012  |  New York, New York
     

    CNN PRODUCER NOTE     RVCFOTO, of New York, shot these pictures at Madison Avenue in Manhattan on Saturday. 'This was the annual Sikh parade which takes place in April,' she explains. 'Thousands of spectators lined up to see the floats, marching bands, sword fighting and wheel spinning.' She says she wanted to share these images to show the different cultures present in New York City. She says the event was packed, colorful and festive. 'This was my first time going and I loved the bright orange colors and the beautiful, colorful sarees.'
    - ssesha, CNN iReport producer

    Madison Ave in NYC was a sea of orange at the annual Sikh Parade on Saturday April 21st. This religious holiday is the Vaisakhi Day Celebration which takes place in the month of April to correspond with the Sikchism Calendar.

     

    The parade started with a prayer while men were sweeping the street and spreading holy water as religious men carrying swords made their way along the parade route.

     

    There were several marching bands as well as floats and school children who marched in the parade. The highlight was the Gatka demonstration--which is the name of an Indian Martial Art Association from the Punjab region using wooden fighting sticks-- and the Spinning of the Chakar -which means wheel and has to do with parts of the spiritual bodies.

     

    The parade ended with free vegan food and non-alcoholic drinks for all to try.

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