Shailaja Kumar
CHICAGO: A large number of Sikhs and many Hindus gathered at Gurudwara Sahiba of Chicago on Devon Avenue to celebrate Guru Gobind Singh Maharaj’s birthday for three days – January11, 12 and 13.
The celebration was marked with great enthusiasm and joy for 500 people/ sangat in attendance.
Guru Gobind Singh was the 10th of the Sikh gurus. Under his guidance and inspiration the Khalsa followed a strict moral code and spiritual disciple. He declared the Guru Granth Sahib, which is Sikhism’s holy scripture, to be the permanent Sikh guru.
Shree Akhand Path sahib a 48 hour non-stop reading of the holy book Shree Guru Granth Sahib ji is held two days in advance of the celebrations.
Bhai Teerath Singh ,Bhai Trilok Singh and Bhai Bachan Singh, the priests of the Gurudwara, conducted the hymns and kirtans.
Langer – a community kitchen the hallmark of Sikhism – is served to all irrespective of caste creed and color in the spirit of service and devotion and everyone seeks blessings in a blissful and joyous environment.
Suresh Shah adds:
Consulate General of India, Chicago in association with Gurdwara Sahib of Chicago celebrated the 352nd Birth Anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh ji and 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji on Sunday January 20 at Gurdwara Sahib of Chicago in a grand manner.
The near three hours program was well attended. It started at 12 noon with Shabad Kirtan followed by an address from Consul General of India Ms. Neeta Bhushan. There was a cultural program by children and after that there was Langar.
CG Bhushan in her address said that the teachings of Guru Nanak Devji and his message of one God, communal harmony was relevant in today’s world. She mentioned that Guru Nanak Devji visited many places to spread his message of tolerance and harmony. He denounced ritualism, superstition, ceremonialism and believed in simplicity and that God was present in each one of us.
About Guru Gobind Singh ji she observed that apart from being an extraordinary human being, he was an outstanding example of his love for his people and for helping the oppressed and protecting a person’s right to practice the religion of his choice. Every incident of his life revealed his love for humanity and courage to stand for what he believed was right. Guru Gobind Singh ji was born at Patna Sahib in Bihar which is now among the sacred shrines of not just members of Sikh religion but for people from all religion and walks of life.
The occasion was also graced by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi who also spoke about the relevance of teachings of Guru Nanak Devji. The Consul General thanked all the people who attended the program and Balvinder Singh in organizing this event at the Gurudwara.
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