Smmagam at Parklea Gurudwara

The international Akand Keertan Smmagam was organised by the sangat (Gursikh community) in Sydney with Rehensabai on October 2, with hymns sung all night long. On October 3, the panch payara’s cleared the path for bridh (old) swaroops of Guru Granth Sahib Ji for Sanskar (crimination as per Sikh rites). The sangat payed their respects and even nature paid homage with the rain ceasing for the next three hours.

Bhai Sahib Amolak Singh Ji, who spoke on the occasion, advised that the smmagam was specially dedicated towards Sewa (service), Simran (chanting the name of WaheGuru), universal brotherhood and self introspection. October 11 is the final day for the International Akand Keertan Smmagam in Sydney. Besides daily Dewan by Giani Iqbal Singh, Hazoori raagi Bhai Nirmal Singh Ji’s jatha, and the International Akhand Keeratani Jatha, children will be provided knowledge on Sikhism through Gurmat camps. On October 10, hymns will be sung throughout the night and Amrit sanchar will be organised. The Amrit is administered in the presence of the holy text of the Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the 11th Guru and omnipresent Guru of the Sikhs. The five candidates for the initiation of the Amrit represent the five beloved, who have led a virtuous life and have strictly observed the Sikh discipline. They are chosen to prepare before the ceremony is started. They are informed about the pure and virtuous life they must lead. When the candidates agree to live by the discipline and code of Sikh conduct, the Panj Pyares conduct the initiation ceremony. Sikhism believes that Amrit Chhakhna is not the end purpose, but the start of one’s journey on a right path to attain a pure and pious life which is essential to attain God (according to the activities and programmes wouldn’t be possible without strong community support and the tireless effort of Giani Jasbir Singh, Bhai Maha Singh, Bhai Balwinder Singh Multani and countless other volunteers, who hail from different backgrounds and bring their skills together to work as a team. The management of the Australian Sikh Association (ASA) include proactive individuals who work without remuneration, for the good of the community, which reflects one of the basic principles of Sikh philosophy.

The Australian Sikh Association (ASA) manages the Sikh Centre located in Glenwood. Its main focus is to serve the spiritual, religious, cultural and social needs of the Sikh Community and establish charitable and welfare programs, including promoting an understanding of the Sikh philosophy, religion and culture, and to providing a common meeting ground to exchange ideas with other communities, thus promoting interfaith dialogue, tolerance and harmony.

The Parklea Gurudwara caters to the religious and spiritual needs of the Sikh Community, donations to Australian Charities and causes, programs to relieve distress, sickness and suffering from the disadvantaged, and sports and recreational activities connected with mental, spiritual, physical and social welfare of the community. There are also provisions of free service for the needy and accommodation, meals, language school, counselling and meditation facilities.

Guneeta Kaur