THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
Sri Nabha Kanwal Raja Sahib Ji — Majare Walian’s Annual Commemoration (Barsi) 2026
Devotees from different cities across the UK and from abroad travelled to attend the programme and receive the blessings and joy of Guru Ji.
Report: Tarlochan Singh Virk
Punjabi Listeners Club
The 2026 annual commemoration of the great and holy soul Sri Nabha Kanwal Raja Sahib Ji Majare Wale was held at Gurdwara Sri Guru Amar Das Ji, Clarendon Park Road, Leicester.
On Friday, 28 August, at 11:00 am, Sri Akhand Paath Sahib was commenced. The Bhog of the Akhand Paath Sahib was held on Sunday, 30 August, at 10:00 am. Following the Ardas for the welfare of all, the sacred Hukamnama from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was read to the congregation.
The Leicester sangat arranged the annual commemoration of the great and holy soul Sri Nabha Kanwal Raja Sahib Ji with great devotion and enthusiasm. Sangats travelled from different cities across Britain, bringing great joy and adding to the occasion. For three days, countless lovers of Gurbani performed seva with great faith and devotion and experienced immense happiness in the presence of Guru Ji.
On behalf of the Gurdwara Sahib, Bhai Mohinder Singh Ji, who has served as a dedicated sewadar for many decades, was honoured with a Siropa, presented by the Head Granthi, Giani Ji.
The resident Jatha of the Gurdwara Sahib blessed the sangat with soulful Gurbani Kirtan. Afterwards, the Leicester-based Jatha of Ragi Harjinder Singh Ji, together with Amarjit Singh Ji, Balwant Singh Ji, Jathedar Bal Singh Ji and Bhai Jagteshwar Singh Ji, performed Kirtan and brought spiritual joy to the congregation.
This was followed by the renowned Dhadi Jatha of Gurjit Singh Gauri, Bhai Avtar Singh Ji of Leicester, and Tara Singh of Bradford, who performed vaaran and shared information about Sikh history with the sangat.
Bhai Avtar Singh Ranu — Dhadi
Those who never forget the Naam with every breath and morsel of food — blessed are they, O Nanak; they are perfect Saints.
What does it matter whether one sleeps or remains awake, if one lives according to the Guru’s way and is accepted by Him?
Those who do not forget the Naam with every breath and morsel — they are the true and supreme ones.
About Sri Nabha Kanwal Raja Sahib Ji
The great ascetic, Brahm Giani, Balishah Fakir and Pooran Sant, Sri Nabha Kanwal Raja Sahib Ji, was born to Father Mangal Das Ji and Mother Sahib Devi Ji.
He was born in 1862, on 7 Phagun, on a Sunday, at Amrit Vela, in the home of his parents in village Mamnanhan/Mamnanha(n), district Hoshiarpur, and also had connections with village Balowal.
During his childhood, he was given the name Bhagwan Das. From an early age, he was a spiritually inclined and saintly child.
Throughout his life, he devoted himself to the worship and remembrance of God, the Supreme Being. He inspired hundreds of thousands of people to practise Naam Japna, endured great hardships, renounced worldly attachment and Maya, and helped uplift and liberate countless souls.
Just as the lotus flower remains pure while growing in muddy water, in the same way he remained pure while living in this world. Because of this, he became known as Nabha Kanwal Raja Sahib.
He was a great spiritual personality and, in the worldly sense, was also regarded as a Maharaja. This benevolent Sant and Mahapurakh relieved the suffering of many people who came to his feet seeking help.
While continuing to guide and uplift people, he left this world on 14 Bhadon, Thursday, in 1940 Samat, at Amrit Vela, and merged with the Supreme Being.
In many of the surrounding villages, Gurdwara Sahibs have been established in his memory.
“Brahm Giani is the Creator of the entire creation.
Brahm Giani lives forever; he never dies.”
— Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Programme and Thanks
As always, Sukhdev Singh Sangha Ji, General Secretary, carried out the stage seva very capably and expressed his thanks to all the sangats.
He also informed the congregation that, during the following week, the sangat of village Rupowal would be holding an Akhand Paath Sahib, and announced that on 20 September a Sikh Helpline Bike Ride was being organised. The bike ride would travel to all the Gurdwara Sahibs in the city of Leicester.
The organisers of the Sri Nabha Kanwal Raja Sahib Ji Barsi 2026 — Surinder Singh Gill, Mohinder Singh Gill and Kulvir Singh Sangra Ji — expressed their heartfelt thanks to the Gurdwara Sahib’s Head Sewadar, Sardar Bans Ji, the entire management committee, all the Jathas, all the sewadars, and the sangats of Leicestershire for their valuable contribution and participation.
Manager of Apna Day Centre Babli Devi pointed out that we organise to attend the Nabh Kaval Raja Sahib programme every year. All of our clients look forward to attending and they really enjoy themselves.
Suggestions for the Future
For this annual great gathering, efforts should be made to introduce some additional activities in future years, such as:
* A health-related camp for the sangat.
* An exhibition about Raja Sahib Ji’s life and teachings.
* A Kavi Darbar dedicated to Sri Nabha Kanwal Raja Sahib Ji.
* Punjabi writing competitions for children.
* Colouring competitions for children.
These activities would make the annual gathering even more beneficial and engaging, particularly for children and the younger generation.
