Akal Takht Jathedar, SGPC chief greet Sikhs on birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh

Amritsar, January 16

Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh congratulated the entire Sikh community on the 357th birth anniversary of Dasam Patshah Guru Gobind Singh today. In his address, he said, “There are millions of revolutionaries, religious and political leaders in the world, but only Guru Gobind Singh stands as an example to sacrifice his entire family for the worldly and spiritual welfare of mankind.” He said Dasam Patshah’s philanthropy in the world context could not be fully explained, but Guru Sahib’s struggle for human rights, universality, equality and freedom of religion was an inspiration for humanity.

Harjinder Singh Dhami, president, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), also congratulated the sangat on the Parkash Purab of Guru Gobind Singh. He appealed to devotees to follow the path shown by Guru Sahib. He said Guru Sahib was a revolutionary leader who raised his voice against oppression and encouraged people to live life with dignity.

Several Sikh religious organisations celebrated the day by holding nagar kirtan processions and religious ceremonies. The SGPC organised a nagar kirtan from Sri Akal Takht Sahib today. Led by Panj Piaras, Head Granthi of Harmandir Sahib and Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Raghbir Singh, Gatka and religious band parties participated in the procession. After starting from Sri Akal Takht Sahib, nagar kirtan was held at Bazar Mai Sewan, Bazar Kathian, Bazar Papad, Bazar Bansan, Chowk Chatti Khohi, Chawal Mandi, Dal Mandi, Dhab Vasti Ram, Jora Pippal, Bazar Luhara, Chowk Lachmansar, Chowk Baba Sahib, Chowk Paragdas and other places inside the walled city.

Sri Harmandir Sahib, Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Gurdwara Baba Atal Rai Sahib would be decorated tomorrow on the occasion of Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh. A firework display would also be held in the night to mark the occasion.

A nagar kirtan was also held by Chief Khalsa Diwan (CKD) today. CKD president Dr Inderbir Singh Nijjar congratulated the Sikh community and others on the occasion. The nagar kirtan started from the CKD head office campus and culminated at Sri Darbar Sahib with offering of an “ardas”.

The nagar kirtan led by “Panj Piaras” was followed by Sri Guru Granth Sahib bedecked with flowers, kirtan, band and Gatka teams, and teaching and non-teaching staff of CKD schools, colleges, hospitals, orphanage and other institutes. The procession was marked by recital of “shabad kirtan” by teams of various CKD schools and colleges.