6 days ago
Akal Takht Jathedar urges global Sikh prayers for Bandi Singhs
A Sikh religious leader has asked Sikhs around the world to pray on August 29.
The prayers are for the well-being and freedom of Sikh prisoners called the Bandi Singhs.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee plans to begin a continuous reading of Sikh scripture on August 27.
The reading will end with a special prayer on August 29.
Other gurdwaras have been asked to hold similar services.
If a gurdwara cannot hold the full scripture reading, it should still recite Gurbani and offer Ardas.
The leader said prayer is an important source of strength for Sikhs.
He also said some prisoners have been held for 30 years or more and that Sikhs face unfair treatment.
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj urged Sikhs worldwide to pray on August 29.
The prayers are intended to seek the Chardi Kala and release of the Bandi Singhs.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee plans Akhand Path Sahib from August 27, followed by Ardas on August 29.
Gurdwaras unable to hold Akhand Path Sahib were urged to conduct Gurbani recitation and Ardas.
The jathedar said some Sikh prisoners have remained incarcerated for three decades or longer and alleged discriminatory treatment.
- Who
- Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj appealed to Sikhs and gurdwara committees worldwide.
- What
- He called for prayers and related religious programmes seeking Chardi Kala and the release of the Bandi Singhs.
- Where
- At gurdwaras across the world, including those operated outside the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.
- When
- Akhand Path Sahib is to begin on August 27, with Ardas on August 29; the appeal was issued on August 26.
- Why
- To express solidarity with the Bandi Singhs, seek their release, and protest what the jathedar described as discriminatory policies and human-rights violations.
Key facts
- Prayer date
- August 29
- Scripture reading
- Akhand Path Sahib is scheduled to begin on August 27.
- Organising body
- Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee
- Requested observances
- Ardas and Gurbani recitation; gurdwaras were also urged to hold Akhand Path Sahib where possible.
- Prisoners mentioned
- The Bandi Singhs, some of whom the jathedar said have been imprisoned for three decades or more.
- Religious principle
- The jathedar said Ardas made with complete faith before the Guru is spiritually powerful.
Quotes
Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj
Akal Takht Jathedar who appealed for worldwide prayers for the Bandi Singhs
“If it is not possible to commence Akhand Path Sahib, every gurdwara should conduct Gurbani recitation and definitely offer Ardas for the Bandi Singhs on August 29.”
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“At that time too, Sikhs took refuge in the Shabd Guru, and today the Sikh community continues to draw strength from Guru Granth Sahib.”
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Sources
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