Gobind Sadan
GOBIND SADAN DECEMBER MELA 2018
Unfazed by the cold weather, a large number of devotees from India and abroad gathered in Gobind Sadan from 23 to 25 December to celebrate three sacred events–the bursi of Baba Virsa Singh Ji Maharaj, Guru Gobind Singh’s birthday, and Christmas. In addition, the sangat was continuing to celebrate Gobind Sadan’s Golden Jubilee and beginning to celebrate the 550th year since Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth.
On 23 December, Akhand Paath was started of both Sri Guru Granth Sahib and also Sri Dasam Granth. The latter was carried on by a team of special paathis from Hazoor Sahib in Nanded. Gurdaspur sangat sang kirtan throughout the three days with their remarkable love and enthusiasm.
On 24 December evening, the sangat gathered at Angeetha Sahib for kirtan and special havan. Then at 2 a.m. on 25 December the two sets of Akhand Paaths were completed, followed by a programme of talks, kirtan, and Antim Ardas in the diwan hall. Stage Secretary, Dr. Surjit Kaur Jolly, recounted the historical event in which Bhai Ram Kaur Ji visited Guru Gobind Singh in Anandpur Sahib and asked him what is the best way to be saved in Kali Yuga. According to the historical record, Guru Gobind Singh told him, “Keep reciting Ik Onkar Sat Nam Siri Wahe Guru and read Jaap Sahib so long as there is life in your body. Kali Yuga will not disturb a person who recites Jaap Sahib seven times a day.”
Joginder Singh, Jathedar of Gurdaspur sangat, mentioned the names of many prophets who are honoured at Gobind Sadan and said, “The second name of Gobind Sadan is Sach Khand.” Sardar Manjit Singh Rai, Sikh Member of the National Minorities Commission, also spoke about the Gurus’ mission and Baba Virsa Singh Ji. He said, “Even today when you remember the Patshah, he comes and takes your hand in his own.”
The special guest was Singh Sahib Giani Iqbal Singh, Jathedar of Sri Patna Sahib. He appreciated the kirtan that was sung earlier and spoke of the sacrifices of Guru Gobind Singh. He said, “When Sat Guru Nanak came into this world, conditions were very bad. People were divided into different sects, and truth was sidelined and neglected. But truth is eternal; nobody can step on it.” He then praised the Sikh Gurus and recounted many episodes from Guru Gobind Singh’s Dasam Granth. He said of Gobind Sadan, “This is the Karam Bhoomi and Tap Bhoomi of Sat Guru Maharaj ji, where he did farming with his own hands. People who come here will naturally come to appreciate the good messages and the flow and impact of Gurbani.”
Christmas was celebrated on 25 December evening with Gobind Sadan’s usual joy, with lights everywhere and a delightful programme by children of Baba Virsa Singh Ji Maharaj Primary School and other children and singers of the community. Speakers included Rev. Bhaskar of St. John’s Church in Mehrauli, Imam Jabbar Ali of Gobind Sadan’s Noor-e-Illahi Mosque, Dr. Rai Singh, Hardip Singh, and Gurdev Singh, officers of Baba Virsa Singh Ji Maharaj Memorial Trust, Joginder Singh, Jathedar of Gurdaspur sangat, Ludmila Timofeeva of International Association for Peace through Culture in Moscow, former Professor Swami Madhu Sudan, Sri Vijender Tanwar of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Mohammad Atkar, Chairman of Cooperative Societies, Bijnoor, Jagdish Singh of Patiala, and Suresh Rijhwani, Chairman of Gobind Sadan USA.
All speakers praised the unity of all religions, as demonstrated by the interfaith harmony taught and practiced at Gobind Sadan. Ludmila Timofeeva gave especially touching expression to this message, saying, “Gobind Sadan is called a House of God without walls as the spiritual light of Maharaj ji attracts many people not only from India but from the whole world. All people who saw and knew Maharaj ji are feeling his love, care, and support in their hour of need the way they used to feel that before. At Gobind Sadan, we people of different faiths and nationalities are united by his concept of One God.”