Sikh culture is full of different aspects that bring the community together. They worship Guru Granth Sahib, which is their holy book. The community follows a belief system that promotes equality and kindness. One event showcased the beauty of their culture, including their music, prayers, and colourful attire. This event celebrated their unity and diversity, showing how Sikhs cherish their unique identities while being part of a larger community. Sikh culture is all about respect, inclusivity, and love for everyone.
In 2008, there was a renewed effort to respect and appreciate the wisdom and knowledge contained in the Sri Dasam Granth Sahib by various Sikh communities and scholars. This scripture is an important part of Sikh tradition, used in Nitnem banis and Khande de Pahul ceremonies.
About Dasam Granth
Dasam Granth is a sacred religious text in Sikhism. It is a compilation of writings attributed to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, and other poets.
The history of Dasam Granth is connected to the time when Guru Gobind Singh created and compiled various writings in the form of small booklets, including some Sikh prayers. Some of these writings are disputed as the guru didn't compile the book himself. Additionally, some material was added after his passing, which is noticeable in the writing style and content. After 1708, Mani Singh Khalsa compiled a combined version of these booklets into the present-day granth, a single volume. This compilation was contributed to by other Khalsa army members under the direct instructions of Mata Sundari. This volume is now known as Sri Dasam Granth Sahib.
Durbar of the Guru
From December 22nd to 24th, a special event took place in Leicester, UK, commemorating Sant Baba Takhur Singh's Barsi. During this occasion, a Sehaj Path of Sri Dasam Granth was conducted as a celebration of Sri Guru Gobind Singh's Bani. On January 3rd, 2009, the Sri Dashmesh Durbar was held to celebrate the Gurpurb of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji at Gurudwara Baba Sang in Smethwick, Birmingham, UK.
The Durbar was set up. Two Sikhs stood on each side, holding the Sikh flags, the Nishan Sahibs, high with pride. They resembled brave warriors and carried shields on their backs and swords by their sides. This was a wonderful effort to recreate the Guru's Durbar with a powerful impact. We can only imagine how the Durbar of the Tenth Guru would have appeared and felt, where poets (kavis) would listen to the Guru recite his teachings (banis). This endeavour brought visions of the past to the sangat.
The Power of Ardas
During the Ardas recital, the Nagara or battle drum was beaten, creating a powerful effect. After that, Hukumnamas were read from both the Sri Guru Granth Sahib and the Sri Dasam Granth Sahib. Recitations from the Sri Dasam Granth included the last two Hikayats of Zafarnama, Jaap Sahib, Shabad Hazare Patshai 10, Misar Prat / Khalsa Mehma, Shastar Naam Mala, and Chaupai Sahib.
At certain points during the recitations, a bell could be heard, and then coconuts were seen and heard being chopped. In modern times, Nihangs and the Damdami Taksal perform this ritual on coconuts or sugarcane when the bell rings.
Following that, Arti Arta, a special recitation usually performed by Sikh Samprayadas like the Nihangs, took place. All of these rituals were conducted according to the Dal Panth Maryada of the Akali Nihangs, who have deeply respected the Sri Dasam Granth for the past three centuries.
The Kirtan of Sri Dasam Granth Shabads commenced with "Tum ho sabh rajan ke rajah" in Raag Darbari, sung by Satpal Singh, a student of Ustad Ajeet Singh Matlashi ji.
Enlightening Katha
Bhai Ranjit Singh, a student of Sant Kartar Singh Ji and associated with Damdami Taksal, conducted a talk on Sikh philosophy, the traditional attire of Nihang Singhs (Bana and farla), and how it relates to Sri Dasam Granth. He also explained the maryada of Bir Ras Bani, including the use of coconut chatka.
In another discussion, Bhai Ranjit Singh Rana from Sahib Magazine highlighted the importance of Chaubis Avatar and why Guru Gobind Singh wrote the bani. He clarified that some people misunderstood Guru Ji's teachings. He also mentioned that although Chandi Di Var is a shorter bani, it narrates six battles, making Sri Dasam Granth a Yudh Granth.
Overall, Bhai Ranjit Singh covered various aspects of Sikh philosophy and shed light on the significance of the writings in Sri Dasam Granth.
Educating about Sikh tradition
Bhai Manmeet Singh discussed the significance of Sri Dasam Granth's illumination ceremonies held at the Takhts. He emphasized that the practice at the Akal Takht was stopped only recently. According to him, Sri Dasam Granth is essential for the existence of Khalsa Panth, Nitnem, and Ardas. He clarified misconceptions surrounding Arti Arta and coconut breaking.
He shared historical anecdotes where Sri Dasam Granth was mentioned and highlighted the intellectual and physical challenge posed by Buddha Dal to those who speak ill of it.
The stage secretary, Bhai Daljeet Singh, Nirmala, criticized Ragi Darshan Singh, the former Akal Takht Jathedar, for creating controversies around Sri Dasam Granth. Bhai Manmeet Singh also condemned Professor Darshan Singh for his double standards, singing from Sri Dasam Granth in the past, but now insulting it.
Giani Balbir Singh from Damdami Taksal criticized some Sikhs for adopting an irrational approach while trying to understand Charitropakhyan. He discussed the nature of Krishna Avatar and its importance to Sant Jarnail Singh Bhinderwale, who regularly sought Hukumnamas from Sri Dasam Granth.
Bhai Sukha Singh spoke about the Kala Afghana supporter and missionary Inder Ghagga, who disrespected the Sikh Gurus. He warned that those who oppose Sri Dasam Granth may eventually target Guru Granth Sahib. He urged everyone to learn more about important banis like Bachitra Natak.
Peaceful Kirtan
Gursharan Singh and Hari Singh continued the Kirtan. Bhai Harjinder Singh Lallie performed Bir Ras Raag kirtan using classical Tanti Saaj. The daughters of Bhai Amrik Singh (Damdami Taksal) and Bhai Sukhwinder Singh (Birmingham) also participated.
Bhai Manmeet Singh and Bhai Harjinder Singh Lallie discussed text messages sent by certain individuals from organizations trying to sabotage the event. This wasn't the first time such attempts were made. In 2008, during the International Sri Dasam Granth Seminar Series in California, there were phone calls from Dr. Jasbir Singh Mann, a pseudo-scholar, attempting to disrupt the event. Bhai Harjinder Singh Lallie mentioned that these detractors unintentionally helped by confirming the organizers' belief in the event's importance to the Panth and how much it was needed.
Reaching people worldwide
The Durbar and Sri Dasam Granth Sehaj Path were live-streamed on the internet, allowing people from all around the world to watch the event live. Many viewers participated in online discussions during the coverage.
The Gurudwara announced that weekly recitals of Akal Ustat would now be a regular occurrence, starting in 2009. Additionally, more events promoting the teachings of Guru Gobind Singh would be organized. At the end of the event, Siropas were given to the organizers as a token of appreciation.
The closing ceremony included the Ardas, accompanied by the intermittent beating of the Nagara. Hukumnamas were taken from both Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Sri Dasam Granth. After the ceremony, both Granths, Guru Granth Sahib Ji leading the way, were respectfully placed in Sachkhand.
The organizers expressed their gratitude to all the attendees and thanked the Panthic Jathebandia, such as Nihang Singhs, Damdami Taksal, Nanaksar, and Nirmaley Samparda, for their valuable support in promoting and preserving Sri Dasam Granth.
*Based on an article published in sridasamgranth.com on 5th January 2009