In an unprecedented spiritual gathering that made history, Mumbai witnessed 350 children coming together for a collective recitation and performance of Salok Mahalla 9 during the 350th Shahidi Samagam observances. This remarkable event marked the first time such a large-scale unison recitation has been organized anywhere in India or across the world.
The Historic Moment
The 350-kids' Salok Mahalla 9 Kirtan became the defining highlight of the three-day Gurmat Samagam, creating what organizers described as a historic moment for Mumbai and the global Sikh community. Bal Malkit Singh, convenor of Maharashtra Sikh Association and executive chairman of Maharashtra State Punjabi Sahitya Academy, emphasized the significance of this achievement.
No such collective recitation has been held anywhere during the 350th Shahidi observances, Singh stated, underscoring the unique nature of this spiritual gathering.
Spiritual Significance of Salok Mahalla 9
The verses of Salok Mahalla 9 carry profound spiritual weight, having been penned by Guru Tegh Bahadur while he was imprisoned in Delhi shortly before his martyrdom in 1675. These sacred compositions emphasize the temporary nature of worldly possessions and stress the importance of remembering God for achieving peace and salvation.
The Samagam specifically commemorated the 350th Shahidi Shatabdi of Hind Di Chaddar, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, whose martyrdom for protecting human rights, religious freedom, and the dignity of all faiths remains unparalleled in world history.
Massive Community Participation
The final day events were organized by multiple community organizations including Maharashtra Sikh Association, Guru Nanak Vidyak Sanstha (GNVS), Gurdwara Guru Tegh Bahadur Darbar Raoli Camp, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Sewak Jatha Trust, and the Supreme Council of Navi Mumbai Gurdwaras.
The gathering witnessed approximately 20,000 Sangat from Mumbai and the entire MMR region attending to seek Guru Sahib's blessings, making it one of the largest-ever Gurmat Samagams held in Mumbai.
Beyond the historic children's recitation, the Samagam brought Guru Sahib's teachings of courage, righteousness, compassion, and justice to life through various activities including Gurbani Kirtan by renowned Raagi Jathas, Katha and Vichaar by respected Katha Vachaks and Parcharaks, and youth-led performances.
The overwhelming response from the Sangat demonstrates how deeply Guru Sahib's message continues to resonate in contemporary times, setting a new benchmark for collective devotion and community unity in Mumbai's Sikh history.
