THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
REPORT: TARLOCHAN SINGH VIRK
PUNJABI LISTENERS CLUB
LEICESTER- In celebration of the 426th anniversary of the first installation of Adi Granth Sahib Ji at Harmandar Sahib {Golden Temple}, a continuous reading of Sikh scripture Sri Guru Granth Sahib started on Thursday 10th September at 7.00 pm at Gurdwara Sri Guru HarKrishan Sahib Ji, 48 Kenilworth Drive, Oadby, Leicestershire LE2 5LG. Bhog took place on Saturday 12th September with 9 vay Patshah Guru Teg Bahadur Ji’s sloks read by Gianis and congregation at 5.00 pm.
Everyone stood for the Sikh Ardas which was led by the Head Priest of the Gurdwara in which prayers were said for world peace. The family of Sohan Singh were presented with the Garland of Honour {Saropa} as they contributed to the cost of Sri Akhand Path Sahib, provided Deg and Guru Ka Langar for the three days.
Adi Granth contains nearly 6000 spiritual hymns, prayers, and poetic compositions written by the first five Sikh Gurus and medieval saints collected. It was comiled by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in 1604.
Religious Hymns {Kirtan} was performed by the Hazoori Jatha and included the Shabads: ‘Dhur Ki Bani Aaee Tin Saglee Chint Mitaee’; ‘Wah Wah Bani Nirankar Hei’; ‘Santa Kay Karaj Aap Khloyea’ . A preacher from the USA informed the congregation about the Sikh history as well as giving in depth explanation about how Guru Arjan Dev Ji compiled the Adi Granth and how it was first installed at Harmandar Sahib.
The Adi Granth holds selected verses from diverse Hindu and Muslim saints, such as Kabir, Ravidas, Namdev and Sheikh Farid showing a universal message .It begins with the MoolMantra { declaring God as Truth} and the Japji Sahib written by Guru Nanak. The text is entirely Gurmukhi, created for the Punjabi language. While mostly in Punjabi and Hindi the verses include words from Sanskrit, Persian and regional dialects.
Adi Granth is the early foundational compilation of the holy scripture of Sikhism which later became known as the Guru Granth Sahib after being declared the eternal living Guru of the Sikhs. Baba Budha Ji was appointed as the very first Granthi to look after the scripture. The original copy of Adi Granth is kept and cared for at Kartarpur, Jallandar, Punjab by the descendants of Guru Ji’s family – the Sodhi family.
A stall by Khalsa Aid International was organised which was well attended by Guru Ki Piari Sangat. Gurjit Singh Samra congratulated everyone on this special day, gave details of future programmes at the Gurdwara Sahib, gave information about registration for Punjabi School and gave details of Bike Ride taking place on 20th September going around all Leicester Gurdwaras in aid of Sikh Helpline charity.
