THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
Leicester- Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Sri Dasam Guru Granth Sahib Ji Sri Akhand Pathh Ji by 25 Singhs took place at Gurdwara Gur Panth Parkash 19 Ashford Road, Leicester from Friday 28th November to 20th November 2025 commemorating the 350 Shaheedi Divas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur and Gurgadhi Divas of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The event also commemorated 5th Barsi of Sant Giani Mohan Singh Ji Bhinderanwale, in loving memory of student of Dam Dami Taksal Giani Pritam Singh Ji, Sant Inderjit Singh Ji Rakbewalay, Sant Ajit Singh Ji Allachaur and the Previous (Puratan) Singhs of Bhinderanwalay.
Continuous reading of both Granths started on Friday 28 November at 11 am which were completed at 10 am on Sunday 30th November. A baptism ceremony which is the tradition to mark major events, took place on Saturday at 1.00 pm. After completion readings of Granths the Head Priest of the venue Gurdwara said Prayers in memory of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji, Bhai Dyala Ji, Bhai Mati Das Ji and prayers for World peace were also said.
This was followed by Mahaan Kirtan Darbar until 1.30 pm. During the 3 days thousands of Sadh Sangat Ji were blessed for Sewa, Naam Simran, listening to Gurbani and other volunteer work. To raise awareness and make sangat more knowledgeable about the rich Sikh history Stalls were organised by Basics of Sikhi, IntrinsikhArts by Rajpal Singh Ubhi, Sikh Fostering, Sikh Helpline which were well attended.
Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji were born in 1621 AD at Guru Ke Mahal, Amritsar, Punjab to parents Guru Hargobind Ji and Mata Nanki Ji. Guru Ji was married to Mata Gujri Ji and were the youngest of the five Sahibzadas (sons) of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru HarGobind ji. Guru Ji had one son (Sahibzada) Guru Gobind Singh Ji, attained Guruship at Bakala, Punjab in 1665. Guru Ji founded the city of Anandpur Sahib and Guru Ka Lahore. Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji’s 59 Shabads and 57 Saloks are included in Sikh scripture Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji 1430 Angs ( Pages ) in 15 Ragas and their main Bani are the Salok Mahala Nauva which are at last few Angs (Pages) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Guru Ji special Contribution were that they undertook special journeys for the propagation of Gurmat.
The highest Priests of the Hindu faith based at Kashmir went to Guru Teg Bahadur ji at Anandpur Sahib and begged them to save the Hindu religion by giving their life or converting to Islam. Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji travelled from Anandpur Sahib in Punjab to Delhi, a distance of Their Unique Martyrdom for upholding the right to freedom of religion in 1675 AD and was called “Dharam di Chader” (Anchor-Sheet of Humanity). Along with Guru Ji, three Sikhs – Bhai Sati Das Ji, Bhai Dyala Ji and Bhai Mati Das also sacrificed their lives.
For not converting to Islam Guru Teg Bahadur Ji were put in iron bars cell in which they could not sit or stand and were beheaded on the orders of the Muslim Emperor Aurongzeb who had his father, brothers, sister and her husband killed in fear of them becoming Emperor. Bhai Sati Das Ji was tied to wooden posts and cut into two parts with saw, Bhai Dyala Ji was sat in large tub of boiling water until he passed away and Bhai Mati Das Ji was wrapped around with cotton wool and set on fire.
Amritdhari Sikh from Derby Sukhdev Singh pointed out “I attend with my family every year’s programme and do much Sewa and Simran as possible. This year’s celebrations to mark the 350th Shaheedi divas of the 9th Sikh Guru were very well organised. Well done to all the 25 Singhs and other volunteers”.
SIKH COMMUNITY SEWADAR
LEICESTER
Sukhjit Singh, Gurbir Singh and Nafjot Singh were blessed to attend the celebrations from Holland and met other Sikhs from India and Scotland. Sukhjit Singh said “Due to these types of extraordinary programmes it is very easy for young people to get attached to Sikh religion. He also explained that Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji were not “Hind Di Chader” as is commonly told by preachers and others; they were “Sari Sristri Di Chader” ie. Protector of all religions not just Hindu religion. This gathering has given the opportunity to meet with other knowledgeable Sikhs from across the world”.
Balinder Singh Samra, one of the 25 Singhs and Nishkam Sewadar of local Sikh Community for decades commented “The preparations for this once in a lifetime event to celebrate the unique martyrdom of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji, Bhai Dyala Ji and Bhai Mati Das Ji started long time ago. We are sincerely thankful to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj, Granthi Singhs who recited the Sri Akhand Pathhs Sahibs, Kirtan Jathas, Nishkam Sevadars, Guru Ki Pyari Sadh Sangat Ji and countless other volunteers. May Waheguru Ji bless them with Naam Simran, Good Sangat, Sewa, Tandusti, Chardi Kla and we look forward to receiving similar support from them all in future religious events”.
REPORT BY-
TARLOCHAN SINGH VIRK
PUNJABI LISTENERS CLUB
LEICESTER UK
