Gobind Sadan
DECEMBER CELEBRATIONS
Baba Virsa Singh Ji had long ago ordered that Guru Gobind Singh’s birthday and Christmas be celebrated on the same day, as evidence that all prophets are one. Accordingly, again this year both Guru Gobind Singh’s birthday and Jesus’ birthday were celebrated with dhoom dham at Gobind Sadan on December 25, 2023. In addition, Maharaj ji had left for his heavenly abode on December 24, so his Mehar Divas was also celebrated on December 24.
Sangat came from far and wide to do seva in the langar and elsewhere, participate in devotions and kirtan, hold 7 Akhand Paaths, do special havan at Angeetha Sahib, listen to discourses, visit free medical camps, and enjoy the lighting decorations and food offerings. An atmosphere of peace and love prevailed everywhere. As S. Manjit Singh Rai, Ex-Vice Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities, Government of India, and also member of Baba Virsa Singh Ji Maharaj Memorial Trust reminded the sangat when he spoke during the Christmas programme, Gobind Sadan is an example of Guru Gobind Singh’s famous shabd, “Manas ki jaat sabhe eke pehchanbo—Let all humanity be recognized as one human race.”
Throughout the mela, the sangat was also remembering the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh’s four sons in December 1761. Poets and ragis sang about the sacrifices of the two youngest sons Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, and about their grandmother, Mata Gujri, who was imprisoned with them in a freezing cold tower. At the end of the mela, on the cold night of December 25, sangat sat for over an hour at Jesus’ Place with folded hands, listening to the touching singing of Bhai Maninder Singh Srinagar wale about the sahibzadas and Mata Gujri.