PATIALA, July 1 — In the run-up to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji and the 350th Gurutagaddi Diwas of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) will hold a two-day Gurmat Samagam on July 5 and 6 at Gurdwara Sri Moti Bagh Sahib, a historic shrine associated with the Ninth Guru.
Sharing the details, SGPC Secretary Partap Singh said the commemorative events are part of a year-long series of programmes leading to the grand centenary celebrations in November 2025. “Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji’s supreme martyrdom is a beacon of courage and faith for humanity. We aim to take this legacy to every home,” he said.
The programme will begin with the inauguration of Sri Akhand Path Sahib on July 4, followed by cultural and religious presentations by school and college students on July 5. These will include Shabad Kirtan, speeches, poetry recitations, and Dhadi War to connect the youth with Sikh history.
A special exhibition and Amrit Sanchar ceremony will also be held that day, showcasing the spiritual and historical richness of the Sikh tradition.
The main Gurmat Samagam will take place on July 6, following the Bhog of Sri Akhand Path Sahib. SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, Singh Sahibans, and several dignitaries from the Sikh Panth will attend.
SGPC has planned similar events across the country, and Partap Singh urged the Sangat to participate in large numbers along with their families, making it a truly collective remembrance of the Guru’s legacy.
A Gurmat Samagam is a Sikh religious gathering or congregation centered around Gurmat, meaning the “Guru’s teachings.” It is a spiritually enriching event where Sikhs come together to reflect on the teachings of the Sikh Gurus through:
Key elements of a Gurmat Samagam:
- Kirtan (devotional singing) – Singing of Gurbani hymns (Shabads) from the Guru Granth Sahib by trained Ragis or youth groups.
- Katha (spiritual discourse) – Interpretation and explanation of Sikh scriptures and history by scholars or preachers.
- Dhadi Vaaran – Ballads or heroic poetry narrating Sikh history, martyrdoms, and spiritual wisdom, often performed with traditional instruments like the sarangi and dhadd.
- Amrit Sanchar – Ceremony of initiation into the Khalsa (the Sikh order founded by Guru Gobind Singh Ji), sometimes held during major Samagams.
- Langar (community kitchen) – Free community meals served to all attendees, a hallmark of Sikh equality and service.
- To promote spiritual awareness, communal bonding, and understanding of Sikh philosophy.
- Often held to commemorate Gurpurabs (anniversaries related to Sikh Gurus), martyrdom days, or significant historical milestones (like the 350th martyrdom anniversary in your news draft).
In essence, a Gurmat Samagam is not just a religious function—it’s a deeply cultural and spiritual gathering that helps reinforce Sikh identity and values within the community.
