Bhai Maharaj Singh barsi 2024

Bhai Maharaj Singh barsi

The Sikh Education Council celebrated the revered Sikh personality Bhai Maharaj Singh on Saturday 6 July at Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. The evening Darbar began with Pangat – a simple meal of sabji (carrots), dehi, roti and watermelon. This was followed by the Sangat gathering in the Darbar to hear and try to read along with ‘Vār mājẖ kī‘ from the Guru Granth Sahib. Selected excerpts of the bani were then explained using Professor Sahib Singh’s interpretations before the evening concluded with Rehras Sahib, Ardas, Vaak and finally sukhasan.

We are delighted to have introduced the idea of reciting a vaar on such an occasion to our events calendar, and aim to continue this practice of reciting the vaars of Guru Granth Sahib on notable dates. We will also allocate more time to engage in a better understanding of selected excerpts from the respective banis and hope to offer time for the Sangat to discuss how the principles we find can be applied.

Due to the intimate nature of the setting and the small numbers in attendance, we were able to practice the traditional Gurmat axiom of ‘pehila pangat pacche sangat‘. Whether or not we can successfully introduce this to other SEC events held at Gurdwareh remains to be seen – our thanks to the parbandhaks of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara whose experience and understanding allows us the freedom to revise this tradition.