Lucknow Pays Homage to Ninth Sikh Guru
The historic city of Lucknow witnessed the commencement of a two-day program marking the 350th Shahidi Parv (martyrdom day) of Guru Tegh Bahadur at Yahiyaganj Gurdwara located within the DAV College grounds on Monday. The solemn occasion brought together devotees from various backgrounds to honor the ninth Sikh Guru's ultimate sacrifice for humanity.
Spiritual Atmosphere and Devotional Expressions
The gurdwara premises transformed into a serene sanctuary adorned with white flowers and white curtains, creating a peaceful environment for reflection and prayer. The air resonated with devotional shabad kirtans as worshippers gathered to pay their respects. Among the attendees was Sukhjeet Singh, who expressed deep reverence for the Guru's teachings.
"Guru Tegh Bahadur ji traveled across the country to spread the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev," Sukhjeet shared. "Today I have prayed to guruji to always make me serve his devotees and follow his path of selfless service."
Personal Stories and Community Participation
The event saw participation from families, including Sarableen Kaur, who attended with her six-year-old son. She emphasized the continuing relevance of the Guru's sacrifice, stating: "Guruji gave up his life to save humanity. Now it's our duty to follow the path he showed us and instill these values in the next generation."
Another devotee, Amarpreet Singh, came with heartfelt prayers for his eight-year-old daughter who is suffering from a stomach tumor. "I prayed for the recovery of my daughter and the wellbeing of my parents," he revealed, demonstrating how personal faith intertwines with the collective remembrance.
The religious ceremonies were enhanced by Priest Davinder Singh Sodhi, who traveled from Ludhiana specifically to sing religious hymns during the occasion. His soulful renditions added spiritual depth to the commemorative events.
Community Service and Future Programs
In keeping with Sikh traditions of community service and equality, all devotees were served langar (community meal) at the conclusion of the day's ceremonies. The organizers announced that Tuesday would feature free health checkup camps and blood donation drives, continuing the Guru's legacy of serving humanity.
The 350th martyrdom anniversary observance not only honored Guru Tegh Bahadur's historical sacrifice but also reinforced the living tradition of his teachings through community service, spiritual gatherings, and intergenerational participation.
