THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
Report: Tarlochan Singh Virk
Punjabi Listeners Club
To celebrate the 166th Chhinjh Mela of Baba Basau Ji a continuous reciting of Sikh scripture Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was organised by UK Nagar Nivasi Sangat of Village Rupowal which is near historic Gurdwara Maow Sahib in Jallandur district in Punjab. Sri Akhand Pathh Sahib was started on Friday 4th September 2026 at 11.00 am at Gurdwara Guru Amar Das Sahib, Clarendon Park Road, Leicester. Bhog of Sri Akhand Pathh Sahib took place on Sunday 6th September 2026 with 9vay Patshah Slok beginning at 9.30 am. Prayers for the well-being of everyone Sarbat da Bhla was done by the Head Priest of the Gurdwara.
During the three days countless members of Guru Nanak Naam Leva Sangat were blessed who did Sewa of bringing flour, fruits and vegetables, sweets, milk for Guru Ka Langar, listened to Gurbani, Simran and Sewa of Chaur Sahib, serving Guru Ka Langar, washing dishes, cleaning shoes of Sangat Ji. Bhai Gurnam Singh Rupowal was presented with a Garland of Honour a Saropa by the Gurdwara Sahib.
Shabad kirtan was recited by the Hazoori Jatha of the Gurdwara. Kvishri Varan were sung by Bhai Kulwant Singh Aujla Jatha who made the congregation aware about Sikh history and Rupowal Shinjh Mela.
The Guest of Honour at the celebrations was The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Leicester Councillor Kulwinder Singh Johal who speaking from the stage said
” It is a profound honour to attend the Bhog of the Sri Akhand Path Sahib at Guru Amar Das Gurdwara. These sacred, continuous prayers were brought to life by the incredible dedication of the residents and diaspora of Rupowal village, Tehsil Phillaur, Jallandar. A special Thank you to Jarnail Singh and Gurnam Singh for taking the lead in arranging this beautiful Sri Akhand Path Sahib.
Even thousands of miles away from Punjab, you have brought the spiritual essence and warmth of Rupowal into the heart of Leicester. Our city thrives on this very diversity and multicultural harmony.
Rupowal is famous for its annual salana Shinjh Mela wrestling festival, a beautiful celebration of unity and Punjabi heritage. This passion for sports perfectly mirrors the tradition started by Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, who championed physical discipline to foster community resilience.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the Management Committee, including Sukhdev Singh Sangha, Shamsher Singh Bains, Jarnail singh and all the Sewadars. Thank you for your flawless hospitality and for your vital work supporting local sports through the Leicester Sikh Centre and the Leicester Football Tournament.
Thank you to the Rupowal community for keeping your heritage vibrant and contributing so richly to Leicester. May Waheguru Ji bless you all with Chardi KLA, ETERNAL OPTISIUM, PROSPERITY AND GOOD HEALTH.”
THE STAGE WAS MANAGED BY SUKHDEV SINGH SANGHA TO VERY GOOD STANDARAD AS USUAL WHO ALSO TOLD THE CONGREGATION ABOUT THE BIKE RIDE GOING AROUND ALL THE LEICESTER GURDWARAS IN AID OF SIKH HELPLINE ON SUNDAY 20 SEPTEMBER. 1
On behalf of UK Rupowal Pind Nivasi Sangat, Gurnam Singh Rupowal thanked the whole Management Committee of Guru Amar Das Gurdwara, The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Leicester Councillor Kulwinder Singh Johal and everyone who contributed and attended the celebrations to make it a memorable event.
The 167th celebrations of Rupowal Pind Chhinjh Mela will be held at Guru Amar Das Gurdwara Sahib next year.
SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE
1. A Sports Exhibition including Rupowal Shinjh Mela should be organised.
2. A Kavi Darbar about Shinjh Mela and Sports.
3. A writing competition about Shinjh Mela and Sports in Punjab extending across Leicestershire and beyond.
4. A colouring competition by the Gurdwara Punjabi School.
