Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 8: The Shahidi Purab of 5th Guru Arjan Dev Ji was celebrated in Jammu district Gurdwaras. The main function was organized at Gurdwara Digiana Ashram Jammu according to the Nanak Shahi calendar published by SGPC Amritsar and approved by Shri Akal Takhat Sahib.
The Shahidi Purab was observed under the supervision of Mahant Manjit Singh Ji of Shiromani Dera Nangali Sahib Poonch. Leaders of various organizations of J&K participated which included Sikh United Front, J&K, five elected members of DGPC Jammu, Bhai Kanaiya Nishkam Sewa Society, AISSF, Sikh Noujawan Sabha, Sikh Welfare Society and J&K Motor Transport Companies Association Jammu.
Many Ragies and preachers from within and outside the State participated in the religious congregation including Bhai Jasbir Singh Ji, Ragi Paounta Sahib, Himachal Wale, Bhai Parvinder Singh, Giani Kingpal Singh religious preacher and Head Granthi Gurdwara Alamgir Ludhiana Punjab, S Swaran Singh Khalsa, religious preacher of SGPC Amritsar and incharge Sikh Mission J&K. They threw light on the life and history of Guru Ji who sacrificed his life against the then rulers who used to put pressure and dictate and forced Guru Ji to change his religion.
Others who participated and addressed the religious gathering were S Rangeel Singh and Raman Bhalla (ex-ministers), S Sudershan Singh Wazir, president Sikh United Front and former president J&K State Gurdwara Prabandhak Board.
They threw light on the life and history of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and further said that some anti-Panthic forces were creating confusion among the Sikh community by publishing a separate calendar in Jammu city. They thanked the Sikh community for not obeying and approving the so-called anti-Akal Takhat Sahib calendar and warned DGPC Jammu for creating disunity among the Sikh general masses. They appreciated Mahant Manjeet Singh Ji for obeying the directions of Akal Takhat Sahib Amritsar. S Avtar Singh Khalsa, S Dharbinder Singh, S Ramneek Singh, S Fateh Singh and S Raja Singh also strongly criticized the DGPC Jammu for working against the interest of Sikhism and violation of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib directions.
Prominent religious and social personalities who participated were S Surinder Singh Kala convenor MTCA, S Harvinder Singh CPO, S Mohinder Singh, S Paramjeet Singh, S Kulwant Singh,S Rajinder Singh, S Paramjeet Singh Raina (ex-corporator) and S Surjit Singh Kukoo.
In another function Shaheedi Diwas Samagan of 5th Guru Arjan Dev ji was observed at Gurdwara Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Akhnoor Road, Domana, near here today under the guidance of Sant Tejwant Singh, Chief Patron, Dera Sant Pura Danna (Muzaffarabad), at present Sector 7, Guru Nanak Nagar Jammu with zeal and spirit.
A large numbers of devotees from all over the State attended the function. The world famous Ragee Bhai Gurpreet Singh (Shimla Wale) recited the holy Gurbani Kirtan and Dhadi Jatha of S Amrik Singh from Pathankot narrated the sacrifice of Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
Langer was served to Sangat which was contributed by one NRI family Joginder Singh Bali and Mrs Updesh Kour Bali of Hong Kong.
Many Book Stalls and Health camps were also installed there free of cost for general public. Sant Tejwant Singh Ji later on thanked the whole gathering and administration for their cooperation for smooth running of the Programme.
SK Police Academy, 137 Battalion of CRPF, Army, MES and local Sangat observed Martyrdom Day of fifth Sikh Gura, Shri Guru Arjan Dev at Gurudwara Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar Omara Morh, Udhampur.
On the occasion, Bhog of Shri Akhand Path Sahib and Kirtan were performed by Hazuri Ragi Bhai Navjyot Singh and Bibi Kuldeep Kour from Ludhiana while Parcharak Kulwant Singh threw light on teachings of Guru Arjan Dev.
SSP Randhir Singh, Inspector Devinder Singh, CRPF Dy Commandant R P Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Maj Devinder Singh Chima, Sq Leader Dr Rattandeep Singh and others attended the religious function.