450th Jyoti Jot Diwas anniv: Nagar Kirtan marks centenary events
Amid centenary events dedicated to the 450th Jyoti Jot Diwas (passing away day) of Sri Guru Amardas, the third Sikh Guru, a Nagar Kirtan (religious procession) was organised today from Gurdwara Sri Tapiana Sahib, Sri Khadoor Sahib to Gurdwara Sri Baoli Sahib in Sri Goindwal Sahib as per ancient Sikh traditions. It was attended by the jathedars of three Takhts, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami, leaders of different Panthic organisations and sampradas (religious branches).
Under the auspices of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and leadership of Panj Piaras (five beloved ones), the Nagar Kirtan reached Gurdwara Sri Baoli Sahib on foot. All along the way, a large group of community members welcomed Sri Guru Granth Sahib by offering Rumala Sahib and giving Siropas (robes of honour) to the Panj Piaras to express their reverence.
In Nagar Kirtan, Nihang Singh parties participated with elephants, horses and camels and different types of langar were arranged by the Sangat at various places. Along with this, band parties from different schools and colleges and a large number of students participated and Gurbani singing jathas sang the Guru’s praise together to express their devotion.
Before the commencement of Nagar Kirtan, a Gurmat Samagam (religious congregation) was organised at Gurdwara Sri Tapiana Sahib, Sri Khadoor Sahib, in which the Head Granthi of Sri Harmandar Sahib and Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh recited the holy Hukamnama for the congregation.
On this occasion, Dhami spoke about the life of Sri Guru Amardas having values of Sehaj (tranquillity), Sewa (voluntary service), Samarpan (dedication) and Drirhta (determination).
He said that the third Guru served Sri Guru Angad Dev continuously for many years before he was given the Guruship and he used to go from Khadoor Sahib to Goindwal Sahib to fetch water from Beas river for bathing service of the second Guru. This service by the Guru is an important and forever an inspirational source for the Sikh world.
He said that today’s Nagar Kirtan, dedicated to the service of Sri Guru Amardas, will create a feeling of love for the Guru in the Sangat. He said that getting an opportunity to celebrate the centenary event in our time was a historic and memorable moment for us and Sangat.
Among the Panthic leaders and prominent personalities present on the occasion were the Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Giani Sultan Singh, Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Giani Harpreet Singh, chief of Damdami Taksal Harnam Singh Khalsa, head of Buddha Dal Baba Balbir Singh 96 Crori, Dal Panth Baba Bidhi Chand Samprada head Baba Avtar Singh Sursingh, Baba Kashmir Singh Kar Sewa Bhuri Wale, Baba Narinder Singh Hazur Sahib Wale, SGPC senior vice-president Harbhajan Singh Masana, and a large number of SGPC members and religious personalities.
Main centenary event today
On the occasion of the 450th Jyoti Jot Diwas of Sri Guru Amardas being organised at Sri Goindwal Sahib, the religious congregations continued at the Diwan Hall of Gurdwara Sri Baoli Sahib. Different Dhadi Kavishar (balladeer poetry) groups connected the congregation with the Guru’s history and Panthic poets presented poems related to the life history of the Guru in the Kavi Darbar.
Meanwhile, after the bhog (concluding ceremony) of Sri Akhand Path Sahib, the main centenary events will be held at Gurdwara Sri Baoli Sahib on September 18, in which important personalities of the Sikh community will pay reverence to the Gurus. SGPC general secretary Rajinder Singh Mehta said that on this historic occasion, full support is being given by various dignitaries, Sampradas and Sangat. Arrangements have been made for langars, parking, health services and shoe houses. Along with this, e-rickshaws have also been made operational for the convenience of the Sangat reaching here.
