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Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Seven decades of faith: When ‘Ardas' was performed to keep B'putra calm
Dibrugarh: For the Sikh community residing in Dibrugarh, Aug 15 is not just a day to celebrate the country's independence, but also a grim reminder of the time when the mighty Brahmaputra river threatened to wash away half the town. Observing 'Brahmaputra Ardas Diwas', a unique 70-year-old tradition, the Sikh community commemorates the events of Aug 15, 1950, when a catastrophic 8.6 magnitude earthquake struck Assam during Independence Day celebrations, drastically altering the region's geography and raising the Brahmaputra's riverbed and setting the stage for devastating floods that would follow four years later. "The earthquake changed everything about our landscape, but the real crisis came in 1954 when the river started eroding with unprecedented force. Almost half of Dibrugarh town was being washed away, and our gurudwara on Assam Trunk (AT) Road was directly in the path of its destruction," said Sardar Jaspal Singh Bhurji, current president of Shri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara. The situation became so dire that the district collector of then undivided Lakhimpur district (before Dibrugarh district was formed) announced plans to evacuate the population, if the river reached AT Road. Essential infrastructures, including the district court, DC bungalow and post office faced imminent danger. Faced with this existential threat, the gurudwara's leadership called for an emergency meeting. Dr Khiem Singh Grewal, the then-president, initially proposed dismantling and relocating the CI sheet-roofed Dibrugarh Gurudwara located on AT Road. However, prominent community members, including Dhanna Singh, Sorain Singh, Dileep Singh and others had different ideas. "The Sikh Sangat had complete faith in Shri Guru Granth Sahib and refused to abandon the gurudwara. Instead, they decided that if disaster struck, they would simply rebuild," said Rupa Rani Kaur, general secretary of the gurudwara. They resolved to begin an Akhand Path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib) and perform Ardas (prayer) to protect the town. The culminating moment came during the Bhog ceremony, when Sardar Dhanna Singh led the community in Ardas, while Sardar Pratap Singh and four other members offered prasad directly to the Brahmaputra, seeking to calm it down. "From that very moment, the erosion stopped. The gurudwara still stands in the exact same place today, and we believe it was by the grace of Waheguru that both our gurudwara and Dibrugarh town were saved," Sardar Jaspal Singh Bhurji said. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Denied rites at gurdwara after mother's death, says Sikh family in Germany
Amritsar: A Sikh family has alleged that Gurdwara Singh Sabha in Singen, Germany, refused them the right to perform Bhog and Antim Ardas there after the death of their mother. The grieving family has approached Akal Takht, seeking the intervention of the Jathedar, even as the Singen gurdwara management said that the family was stopped from entering the gurdwara on the directions of local police. The controversy has sent shockwaves through the Sikh diaspora. Balwinder Singh, a resident of Singen for over four decades, said that brothers Daljit Singh and Paramjit Singh approached the local gurdwara to hold the Antim Ardas and Bhog ceremony for their mother, but the management denied them. The letter, written by the 'entire Sikh sangat' of Singen, says, "Regrettably, due to personal grudges, the current gurdwara committee denied permission to hold this religious ceremony. This decision is not only unjust and against Sikh values, but also a clear violation of Sikh Rehat Maryada (Sikh code of religious conduct) and Gurmat principles." Balwinder Singh said that the sangat spoke with the gurdwara management committee and asked them to reconsider, reminding them of the core Sikh values of compassion and inclusion. "But the committee didn't listen or show any intention to resolve the issue with understanding or care," he alleged. Davinder Singh, president of Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Singen, told TOI that the management committee stopped the family from holding the ceremony on directions from the local police. He claimed that the persons involved had previously clashed with members of the sangat and caused disturbances, prompting police to advise the management not to allow them entry to the gurdwara. Balwinder Singh said that the family brought a granthi from another Gurdwara, nearly 150km away, to perform the Antim Ardas and Bhog. "We have now requested the Jathedar of Akal Takht to investigate the incident, summon the gurdwara management to the Akal Takht, and deliver justice," he said. MSID:: 123016954 413 |
Time of India
31-07-2025
- Time of India
Sikh family in Germany denied right to perform their mother's final rites at Gurdwara; approaches Akal Takht
AMRITSAR: A Gurdwara in Germany's Singen, has allegedly denied a local Sikh family the right to perform Bhog and Antim Ardas following their mother's death, sparking concern among the Sikh diaspora. The grieving family has approached the Akal Takht, seeking intervention from the Jathedar. However, the Gurdwara management claimed that the family was barred from entry following directions from local police. Balwinder Singh, a long-time resident of Singen, said that Daljit Singh and Paramjit Singh lost their mother recently and approached the Gurdwara to conduct the final rites. However, their request was refused by the Gurdwara committee. In a letter reportedly written by the "entire Sikh sangat" of Singen, it was stated, 'Regrettably, due to personal grudges, the current Gurdwara committee denied permission for this religious ceremony. This decision is not only unjust and against Sikh values but also a clear violation of the Sikh Rehat Maryada and Gurmat principles.' The sangat said they had urged the Gurdwara committee to reconsider the decision, reminding them that the Guru's house is open to all and highlighting the Sikh values of compassion and inclusion. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Up to 70% off | Libas Purple Days Sale Libas Undo 'But the committee didn't listen or show any intention to resolve the issue with understanding or care,' Balwinder alleged. When contacted, Davinder Singh, President of Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Singen, claimed that the management acted on advice from local police. He alleged that the individuals involved had previously clashed with members of the sangat, causing disturbances. As a result, the police reportedly advised the Gurdwara not to permit them entry. Meanwhile, Balwinder said the family eventually brought a granthi from another Gurdwara nearly 150 kilometres away to perform the rites. 'We have now requested the Jathedar of Akal Takht to investigate the incident, summon the Gurdwara management, and ensure justice is delivered,' he added.
NDTV
11-07-2025
- General
- NDTV
Sawan 2025: 6 Traditional Recipes That Are Perfect For The Fasting Season
The month of Sawan holds great significance for Hindus. This year, Sawan begins on 11 July and continues until 9 August. It is a time dedicated to spiritual reflection and devotion to Lord Shiva. Many devotees observe a fast every Monday during this period, and this year, there are four Mondays in the month. During Sawan, devotees avoid foods like garlic, onion and meat. Instead, they follow a satvik diet that includes ingredients such as sabudana, buckwheat flour, water chestnut flour, potatoes, fruits, milk, curd and other dairy products. While it might seem like the ingredients are limited, there is no shortage of flavour. A little thought can go a long way in creating a satisfying fasting menu. Here are six traditional recipes that are perfect for the Sawan fast this year. Here Are 6 Sawan Recipes That Are Perfect For Fasting: 1. Vrat-Friendly Dahi Aloo Recipe Boiled potatoes are simmered in a thick, spicy yoghurt-based gravy. This recipe is creamy and comforting, made using buckwheat flour and seasoned with rock salt - both ideal for fasting. Click here for the recipe 2. Crispy Kuttu Puri For Fasting Kuttu puri is a favourite during the fasting season. Made with buckwheat flour, mashed boiled potatoes and light spices, these crisp puris pair beautifully with dahi wale aloo. Click here for the recipe 3. Creamy Makhana Kheer For Sawan Bhog Makhana kheer is a beloved dessert made during fasts. Roasted makhana is ground and slowly cooked with milk, sugar, cashews and cardamom powder. This light and satisfying dish can also be served as bhog. Click here for the recipe 4. Sabudana Kheer With Cardamom And Saffron A classic fasting dessert, sabudana kheer is quick to prepare and rich in texture. Tapioca pearls are cooked in milk and flavoured with saffron and cardamom for a festive touch. Click here for the recipe 5. Vrat Special Aloo Chaat For Fasting Days Potato chaat is a flavour-packed snack you can enjoy even while fasting. Simply chop boiled potatoes into pieces and fry them. Add sweet curd, green chutney and rock salt. Finish with a garnish of pomegranate seeds before serving. Click here for the recipe 6. Singhare Ka Halwa For Fasting Dessert This dessert brings warmth and comfort to the fasting table. Singhara atta (water chestnut flour) is roasted in ghee, mixed with sugar syrup, and cooked until it reaches the right texture. Top it with almond flakes and serve hot. These traditional and wholesome recipes are just right for the Sawan fasting season.
Hindustan Times
23-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Ram Mandir construction nears completion, priest hiring underway
The Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust has initiated the recruitment process to appoint new priests (archaks) to oversee daily rituals, including adornment (shringar puja) and offerings (bhog), at 14 temples within the Ram Janmabhoomi complex. During the training period, trainees will receive a monthly stipend of ₹ 2,000. (FOR REPRESENTATION) The Trust has appointed treasurer Govind Devgiri as the chairman of the religious committee constituted to oversee the selection process. Applications from interested candidates will be accepted through the Trust's website from June 26 to June 30. According to Anil Mishra, a member of the Trust, applicants must be between 20-30 years of age. He stated that Gurukul education is mandatory, and preference will be given to candidates who are residents of Ayodhya. During the training period, trainees will receive a monthly stipend of ₹ 2,000. The construction of the Ram Mandir is expected to be completed by December 2025. 'Most of the construction work will be completed by October this year and any remaining work will be completed by December,' said Champat Rai, general secretary of the Trust, adding that currently, finishing work is in progress within the temple premises. Once this is completed, the machinery will be removed, and cleaning of the complex will begin, said Rai. The Trust has planned four entry gates for the temple complex—three of which are nearly complete. Construction of the fourth gate will commence after the completion of the first three. The Trust office, auditorium, and guest house are currently under construction within the temple complex and are expected to be completed by 2026. According to the Trust, Bhog prasad for Ram Lalla will be prepared in the Sita Rasoi, located in the basement of the temple complex. The Sita Rasoi will start preparing Bhog prasad from October, and a temple dedicated to Goddess Annapurna has already come up.
