Interfaith

Sikhs Kirtan at the Interfaith Concert in Washington attended by hundreds


35 member Sikh Kirtani Jatha ( largest group of Sikhs ever to perform together in Kirtan); Picture by Sirmukh Manku
Washinton - More than 1,400 persons experienced the sacred songs, dances or chants from nine world religions as they filled the magnificent sanctuary of Washington National Cathedral in the InterFaith Conference’s 26th InterFaith Concert. The magnificent building of the Washington National Cathedral was filled in the November night. The carved arches added to splendor of the majestic building in the heart of America’s capital. The high gothic ceiling reverberated with sweet sound of spiritual music of Sikh Kirtani Jatha and many other faith traditions. It was annual Inter faith Concert event. Sikhs, Hindu- Jains, Muslims, Bahais, Zoroastrian, Roman Catholic, Protestants, Jews participated in this multilingual and multi faith unique program. The honor of doing opening prayer was given to the Sikh community. Amrit Kaur, Secretary of Guru Gobind Singh Foundation, started the night’s concert with following prayer, “O God, we your children of diverse faiths who call you by many names as we gather this evening in this magnificent building to sing songs of your glory. Please endow us with wisdom to understand that our strength lies in unity of diversity. Please enable us to relieve suffering of humanity inflicted by catastrophes like Katrina and earthquakes and make us an instrument of peace and goodwill in the world.”

Amrit Kaur in the middle who led the prayer ( Picture by Dilraj Singh)
She ended with the traditional prayer asking for the welfare of entire humanity, “Nanak naam chardi kalla, Tere Bhane sarbat ka bhalla.” Meaning “May entire humanity prosper with thy Grace.” It was a spectacular sight to see combined choir of all the participants in their colorful traditional attire but singing the same song. Muslim did Adan, Hindus performed religious dance and Christians sang hymns in praise of God. The Sikh Kirtni Jatha headed by Bhai Gurdarshan Singh & Dr Rajwant Singh consisted of 35 men and women who donned spotless white dress with kesri satin palla ( scarf) around their necks looked very appealing and serene. In a very melodious tune, accompanied on tabla by famous Bhai Rajinder Pal Singh, they sang in perfect harmony a hymn composed by ninth Guru Teg Bahadur ji. “ Kahe Re Ban Khojan Jai.’ The melody and mood were perfectly blended to leave indelible impression on the audience. Presence of about 100 Sikhs from Baltimore Washington area among audience was very distinct and distinguished. Concert also featured interludes of Tabla Maestro Bhai Rajinder Pal Singh, who is a student of Alla Rakha and Zakir Hussain. His electrifying tabla percussions enthralled the audience. He is currently a regular feature at GGSF. Hindu faith was represented by the dancers of Kuchipudi Dance Academy. They presented the dance in honor of Lord Shiva which was titled, “Shiva Shambho.” The Buddhist community participated for the first time in these annual celebrations of the sacred in song, dance and chant, represented by three Sri Lankan monks from the Buddhist Vihara in Washington. “The InterFaith Conference was born out of the conviction that community is created by diversity and that in diversity is the unity that can change the world,” noted Rev. Clark Lobenstine, its Executive Director, in his closing comments at the Concert, “and this Concert is our best way of exemplifying this.”

Sikhs walking to perform ( picture by Dilraj Singh)
Dr. Rajwant Singh, Executive Director of Guru Gobind Singh Foundation, Washington, said, “This concert gives us an opportunity to project our religious image to others. We can be a part of the main stream and still maintain our identity while understanding prayer traditions of other faiths.” Prabhjot S. Kohli, President Sikh Association of Baltimore, said, “These are difficult times; religious beliefs no longer appear to provide the emotional vehicle to human relationship and goodness that they had originally setout to be. Religion appears to have been usurped to promote suspicion and hatred. The occasion to attend this concert was a pleasant surprise to convince that all is not lost, after all.”

35 member Sikh Kirtani Jatha performing Kirtan at the Interfaith Concert(picture by Dilraj Singh)
He added, “Held in the haloed precincts of the famous Cathedral, was a rare experience to open our minds to accept what each religion had to offer without prejudice or rancor, Extremely well planned and slick presentation of sacred songs, dance and chants was enough to convince everyone how beautifully and harmoniously each of the represented religion perceive The Supreme Being- The God.” Inderpal Singh Gadh of Rockville, said, “The whole event was very thrilling. In particular, I solute to all those who performed the Kirtan. It was an electrifying experience to hear the hall rebound loud with such melody. May Waheguru bless you all.” Brig. Gurinder Singh Uppal, (Retd), who was visiting Washington and who attended added, “Such initiatives go a long way in better understanding of each other beliefs and convictions. It is difficult not to be touched by the genuine feeling of humanity and goodwill each of the events exuded. This should serve as a model for similar endeavors in as many places as possible.” Ranjit Singh, President of GGSF said, “We, the Guru Gobind Singh Foundation has partnered with Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington on many projects since 1986 when we became a member organization of this august body. Our alliance and friendship with IFC has been very productive and beneficial for Sikhs to project a positive image in USA.” The InterFaith Concert also served for the first time as the national release of a book -- One Nation Under God: The History of Prayer in America by James P. Moore -- and the author was the Concert Narrator. Gifts and Concert ticket sales exceeded $185,000. The concert is the major fund raising event for which help support the work of Interfaith Conference which brings together the Islamic, Jewish, Hindu, Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Sikh faith communities. It works to increase understanding and address issues of human dignity. IFC is currently working on issues of racial and ethnic polarization, drugs and violence, hunger, AIDS and homelessness. Guru Gobind Singh Foundation representing the Sikh faith is the member of the IFC since 1988. Guru Gobind Singh Foundation, based in Washington, is active nationally and locally in different forums on behalf of the Sikhs.