Latest news with #Ardas
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Former Damdami Taksal spokesperson questions narrative on June 6 Ardas and Jathedar appointment
Amritsar: A war of words has erupted within Sikh religious circles after the Akal Takht's officiating Jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, was accused of bypassing a long-standing tradition by not delivering the customary June 6 'sandesh' — a formal message to the Sikh community on the anniversary of Operation Bluestar , a 1984 military operation to smoke out holed up terrorists from the Golden Temple. Former Damdami Taksal spokesperson Sarchand Singh has pushed back against attempts by the Akal Takht secretariat and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to suggest that Giani Gargaj's 'sandesh' was embedded within his 'Ardas' (prayer), arguing that this kind of claims reflect a basic misunderstanding of Sikh religious practice. "An Ardas is a humble supplication to the Guru; a 'sandesh' is a directive message to the 'quom' (community)," Sarchand Singh said. "There was nothing new or directive in this year's Ardas compared to previous commemorations. To equate the two is misleading." The criticism follows mounting scrutiny over Giani Gargaj's role and legitimacy. Sarchand Singh expressed dismay that Gargaj — who was declared 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct) by the Panj Pyare at Takht Patna Sahib — was given a 'Siropa' (robe of honour) reportedly at the Akal Takht, despite Sikh tradition dictating that a 'tankhaiya' must first complete prescribed penance and receive formal absolution before being honoured at any Takht. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Sarchan Singh said: "Offering a Siropa to someone declared tankhaiya without due absolution sets a dangerous precedent. This violates religious protocol directly." The controversy also reignites long-standing debates over the SGPC's authority to appoint Jathedars. While acknowledging that the SGPC holds administrative power over Takht appointments, Taksal's former spokesperson asserted that this kind of decisions lacked spiritual legitimacy unless endorsed by broader Sikh institutions. He said: "The identity of the Panth cannot be upheld if Sikh sects, Nihang groups, and Sabha societies are excluded from the process. Jathedars are being appointed like SGPC employees, diminishing the stature and sanctity of these positions. The dispute highlights deeper fissures within Sikh religious governance, raising fresh questions about accountability, tradition, and the role of representative consent in decisions affecting the global Sikh community. MSID:: 121695262 413 |
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Time of India
Hemkund Sahib Yatra 2025 begins; Uttarakhand CM flag off pilgrimage
Hemkund Sahib, one of the highest Gurudwaras in the world, opened its doors on Sunday for its annual pilgrimage 2025. Set in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, the portals were opened on Sunday after the traditional Ardas (prayer). The revered Sikh pilgrimage site and its annual yatra attracts spiritual seekers from across the globe. The official launch of this year's yatra started on Thursday, when the first batch of pilgrims, or jatha, departed from Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib located on Laxman Jhula Road in Rishikesh. A ceremonial flag-off was conducted by Uttarakhand Governor and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. According to the Uttarakhand Tourism Department, approximately 183,000 pilgrims visited Hemkund Sahib in 2024, a strong turnout though still below the record of 240,000 set in 2019. 'We are witnessing considerable enthusiasm among pilgrims for Shri Hemkund Sahib, much like the sustained interest we observe for the Char Dham yatra,' a tourism department spokesperson said. The yatra was led by five beloved (the Panj Pyare), ones symbolizing Sikh spiritual leadership. 'This sacred journey is a testament to unwavering faith,' the governor said. 'We extend our best wishes and prayers for a safe and spiritually enriching experience for all devotees embarking on this path.' Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 12000W лазерен заваръчен апарат (4 в 1) – революция в заваряването! Undo CM Dhami reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a smooth and fulfilling pilgrimage for all. 'Uttarakhand is honored to welcome pilgrims from across the globe to this divine land,' he said. 'Our administration has worked diligently to ensure all necessary arrangements are in place for a smooth and comfortable yatra.' Set at an altitude of about 14,200 feet, Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib is among the highest places of worship in the world. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and nestled beside a glacial lake, the shrine holds deep spiritual significance in Sikhism. It is believed to be the place where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, meditated in a previous incarnation. The site remains accessible only during a limited season due to its high-altitude location, the pilgrimage to Hemkund Sahib is both physically challenging and spiritually rewarding. The site draws comparisons to the Char Dham Yatra in terms of religious fervor and the number of annual visitors. As the portals open and the yatra gains momentum, thousands of devotees are expected to ascend the mountainous trail in search of spiritual peace and divine connection. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
New Indian Express
22-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Uttarakhand's Hemkund Sahib shrine set to welcome devotees as pilgrimage season commences
DEHRADUN: The revered Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib, nestled in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, is set to open its portals to devotees on Sunday, following traditional prayers (Ardas). While the shrine prepares for its official opening, the annual Yatra has already commenced, with the first batch of pilgrims departing on Thursday from Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib on Laxman Jhula Road, Rishikesh. The official commencement of the yatra was marked by a flag-off ceremony led by Governor Lt. Gen. Sardar Gurmeet Singh (Retd.) and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The first 'jatha' (batch of pilgrims) set off under the spiritual guidance of the 'Panj Pyare.' Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Singh emphasised the spiritual importance of the pilgrimage. "This sacred journey is a testament to unwavering faith," he stated. "We extend our best wishes and prayers for a safe and spiritually enriching experience for all devotees embarking on this path." Chief Minister Dhami echoed these sentiments, highlighting the state's preparedness. "Uttarakhand is honored to welcome pilgrims from across the globe to this divine land," CM Dhami remarked.
Indian Express
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
We woke up in panic, can sleep peacefully now: Punjab residents welcome ceasefire
After two sleepless nights marred with blackouts and drone attacks, Punjab finally breathed a sigh of relief with India and Pakistan agreeing to a ceasefire on Saturday. Since Indian Army's 'Op Sindoor' early on Wednesday, Punjab, both its bustling cities and border towns, was in the thick of the storm. The state, which shares over 500 km of its border with Pakistan had started witnessing a storm of drone attacks on Thursday night and since then the residents lived in fear amid blackouts. Heera Sodhi, former Punjab State Information Commissioner and a resident from Ferozepur, said, 'Punjab vaste bhot vadiya hoya… (It is a very good thing for Punjab…). We suffer the most as we are a border state. But I'm happy that India took a strong and aggressive stand against terrorism and clearly sent out the message that we will not tolerate nonsense anymore. Though most drones were neutralised, on Friday night, three people were injured in Ferozepur.' In Ferozepur's Tindiwala, the last village on the zero line, Parkash Singh was crying tears of joy. 'Aj khushi di gal hai… (Today is a matter of happiness). Our families had to be split because of the war-like situation. We had sent women and children to our relatives, now we will get them back tomorrow. Jung kisse da vi bhala nahi kardi… jung sade te thopi jaandi hai… (War never benefits anyone… war is always forced upon us as we live on the border),' he says, adding that he has now decided to build a house far away from the border. In Ludhiana, Pankaj Sharma, president of Association of Trade and Industrial Undertakings, says he felt proud of the Indian Army but also sighed relief. 'The way India managed the crisis is commendable. A prolonged war would have severely impacted the economy. We salute our PM for giving the armed forces a free hand and ensuring a decisive victory.' Badish Jindal, president of All Industries and Trade Forum, says that in the last 3 days, many migrant workers left Ludhiana fearing war. 'But now, with the ceasefire, I believe they will return. If the war had continued, Punjab's industry would have collapsed. We were already feeling the pressure due to the exodus of the workforce,' he says. Barnala-based government teacher Nirmal Singh Thikriwala reflected on the collective psyche. 'Saturday morning, we woke up panicked. Thank God, we can now sleep peacefully. But I'm disappointed that instead of understanding the hardships of our armed forces, many people were making reels and memes of the situation,' he says. Bathinda-based Dr Vittul K Gupta congratulated the Indian Army for teaching Pakistan a lesson by destroying their terror camps. Meanwhile, officiating Jathedar of Akal Takht Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj welcomed the ceasefire. 'From the beginning, I have believed that war should not break out between the two nations,' he said, adding that he had performed Ardas before Guru Sahib at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib in Sri Anandpur Sahib on Friday. Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar, while welcoming the ceasefire, said, 'India has made it clear that aiding and abetting terrorism will not be tolerated. Under PM Narendra Modi's leadership, India reaffirmed its commitment to global peace while delivering a strong message that cross-border terrorism is unacceptable.' He also proposed a special economic package for Punjab to compensate for disruption to trade and business. 'Given Punjab's frontline position, we've always borne the brunt of such conflicts—be it in terms of life or livelihoods. This package is essential to help us recover,' he said, adding that the proposal was supported by Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. As calm returns to Punjab, the state stands both wounded and resilient—grateful for peace, but painfully aware of the cost it so often bears for being on the frontline.
