Yuba City's annual Sikh Festival and Parade returns Oct. 30 through Nov. 1, the Territorial Dispatch reported on Oct. 22. The three-day celebration is centred at the Sikh Temple Gurdwara, 2468 Tierra Buena Road, and culminates in the annual Nagar Kirtan, a 4.5-mile religious procession through Yuba City. First held in 1980, the parade has grown into one of the largest Sikh gatherings outside India, with annual attendance estimated at 100,000 to 200,000 people, the Dispatch said. The festival listing on Events in California confirms the same dates, venue and Nagar Kirtan on Sunday, Nov. 1.

Source: Territorial Dispatch

Festivities begin Friday, Oct. 30, at 8 p.m. with Kirtan Darbar, followed by a fireworks display. On Saturday, Oct. 31, the raising of the Nishan Sahib takes place at 9 a.m., followed by devotional singing; an open house and tour of the gurdwara grounds begins at 10 a.m., and evening services continue with Rain Sabaee Kirtan from 6 p.m. to midnight. On Sunday, Nov. 1, the Nagar Kirtan begins at 10 a.m., following a route along Tierra Buena Road, Butte House Road, Civic Center Boulevard, Poole Boulevard and Tharp Road before returning to the temple.

Source: Events in California — Nagar Kirtan listing

At the heart of the procession is the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture and eternal Guru of the Sikh faith, carried aboard a decorated float and led by the Panj Piare. Along the route, volunteers serve free food to everyone — traditional Indian dishes, freshly brewed chai, snacks and sweets. The practice, known as langar, reflects the Sikh principles of equality, generosity and selfless service, the Dispatch noted. The festival and its food offerings are free and open to everyone.

Road closures and parking

With thousands of visitors expected, local officials are preparing extensive traffic restrictions. Road closures begin Friday, Oct. 30, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and continue Saturday, Oct. 31, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., affecting residential streets near the temple including portions of Hooper Road, True Road, Pepperwood Drive, Delle Drive and Redding Avenue; southbound Tierra Buena Road will also be restricted from 5 p.m. to midnight on both days. On Sunday, Nov. 1, some closures begin as early as 7 a.m., with True Road closing around 9:30 a.m., and many closures are expected to last until about 6 p.m.

Source: Territorial Dispatch

Parking will be available at designated locations including 658 El Margarita Road, River Valley High School's west lot, Redding Avenue and areas near True and Tierra Buena roads. Officials caution that vehicles parked in the Redding Avenue lot on Sunday will not be permitted to leave until the parade has concluded. Residents in affected neighbourhoods are encouraged to obtain resident access passes from the Yuba City Police Department, 1545 Poole Blvd., during regular business hours before Friday, Oct. 30. Detailed maps are on Sutter County's Sikh Parade page at BePreparedSutter.org/SikhParade.