A day of feasting for the mind, body as well as spirit

On 17th Oct, Sikhs around the world celebrated Bandi Chor Diwas (prisoners’ release day). Over 8000 people took part in the day long celebrations at Parklea Gurudwara Sahibji (Guru’s abode) in Glenwood.

The story goes that in 1619, Mughal emperor Jahangir approached the Sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji with the intention of utilizing Guruji’s great strength and fearlessness in battles and told Guruji to embrace Islam. Guru Hargobind Ji rejected his proposition. In retaliation Jahangir imprisoned Guruji. Eventually Guruji’s release was ordered, but he refused to leave without the fifty-two captive Princes. Guruji was told that those Princes who could hold onto Guruji’s clothing, could go with him. Guruji had his darzi (tailor) stitch a coat with 52 ribands, holding which fifty-two rulers trailed behind him. Guruji is thus referred to as Bandi-chor (the Liberator). Upon his return to his beloved town Amritsar, people lit the path to Sri Harmandhir Sahibji (Golden Temple) to commemorate Guruji’s undying love for Sikhism.4am, Parklea Gurudwara Sahibji, Sangat (congregation) started praying in the Darbar. International Akhand Kirtaniya’s Gurbani Kirtan which followed was based on Ragas. It was mesmerising and uplifting. In the community kitchen, Langar sevadar family of the morning, Gills along with other Sevadars (volunteers) prepared Guru Da Langar while chanting ‘Wahe Guru’. Small portions of Guru da Langar was placed in a thali

(plate) and taken for ‘Ardas’ (a prayer) to Sri Guru Granth Sahibji (Holy Scripture and Omnipresent Sikh Guru) and mixed with the rest of the Langar to be served. Those present sat in pangat (rows) for Guru Da Langar. It was hard work to feed hundreds of people, but the volunteers absolutely enjoyed it. Guru Da Langar is vegetarian and free. This practice was started by the First Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, to put an end to any kind of discrimination.

Throughout the day the Sangat brought in 350kgs of mouth watering treats like besan pinni, kajju burfi, motichoor laddoo, gulab jamun and jalebi etc, while masala chai, juice and kesar badam dudh (Saffron almond milk) were served at Parklea Gurudwara Sahibji. Manager Giani Jasbir Singhji and Bhaisahib Mahan Singhji were pivotal in providing guidance for the smooth running of the day’s program. Sangat performed a variety of Sevas (service). Some helped the Sunner family by chopping vegetables and kneading dough, while others rolled and cooked the Prashadas (Indian bread). Other devotees swept and cleaned the floor, washed dishes and served Langar. A few youngsters did gardening and kids dusted the shoes of the people visiting the Gurudwara. There was a cheer in the air.

A group of students hailing from different states of India said, “For us, Parklea Sahib Gurudwara is home away from home”.

As day gave way to night, Gurudwara Sahib glowed with thousands of light bulbs. Sangat dressed in their finery did Satsang, offered prayers, sang Shabad Kirtan (hymns) with Giani Iqbal Singhji and Hazoori Raagis Bhai Nirmal Singhji, Bhai Amarjit Singhji and Bhai Harjit Singhji. Gurbani Katha (discourse) by Bhai Ram Singhji was focused on the need to create a positive and proactive society for the new generation by following teachings in the Guru Granth Sahib Ji and motivate the next generation towards brighter and beautiful future of Universal Brotherhood. This was followed by Bandi Chor Diwas speech by Giani Santokh Singhji. After Ardas, everyone received Karah Prashad (Sacred sweet).

Much planning was put in by the Australian Sikh Association towards making the day a success. General Secretary ASA, Bhaisahib Jasbir Singh Thind congratulated the Sangat for receiving the blessings of Waheguru Ji on the auspicious occasion of

125 kgs rice, 130 kgs lentils, 100 kgs yoghurt, 12 kgs butter and 360 litres milk.

Throughout the day Guru Da Langar was aplenty. Sangat relished karhi (yoghurt dumplings), dal makhni (lentils), wadi aloo, salad, yoghurt, jeera (cumin) rice, Prashadas (Indian bread), mithe chawal and badam kheer (almond rice pudding).

The moonless night was alive with sounds of laughter and greetings. Sangat lit candles near Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag, symbolic of the Khalsa Panth). Like thousands of other people, I felt in harmony with the fact that Sikhism is a faith of hope and cheer and though it affirms Karma, Sikhism recognises the possibility of the modification of one’s Karma with the grace of the Guru or God. It was a day of feasting for the Mind, Body and Spirit.

Guneeta Kaur

Readers are welcome to witness and be a part of Parklea Gurudwara Sahibji’s Program and Guru Da Langar at 10