DALLAS (TIP): The Sikh community recalled the martyrdom of the heroic Sahibzadas- the four sons, aged 18, 14, 9 and 6, of Guru Gobind Singh, the Founder of the Sikh religion, which is the fifth largest religion of the world, with around 25 million followers all over the world, at the local Gurdwara (Sikh temple) Sikh Sangat in Ulis, Friday, December 20. As is customary, an Akhand Path Sahib (Continuous recital of Scripture-The Guru Granth Sahib, the Living Master of the Sikhs) was started on Friday, December 18.

The Diwan ( assembly) was organized on Sunday when the congregation participated in prayers, hymn singing, sermons and paying homage to the beloved sahibzadas- Sahibzada Ajit Singh Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, Sahibzada Jujhar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh. Guru Gobind Singh Ji had four sons. The two older sons Sahibzada Ajit Singh and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, 18 and 14 years old respectively, like the other brave Sikhs, had fallen fighting the enemy. The two younger sons Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, 9 and 6 years old respectively, who along with their grandmother Mata Gujri had strayed away from their father, in to the hands of the enemy, were bricked alive, in 1705, on orders from the Nawab of Sirhind for refusing to convert to Islam.

They are probably the youngest martyrs in the world. And they are among the most hallowed martyrs in Sikhism. The attending raagi (bard) of the gurdwara Sahib, Ulis, Bhai Harjit Singh Khalsa sang hymns and also narrated the story of heroism and sacrifice of the Sahibzadas. Japneet Kaur, a six year old girl, recited a poem dedicated to the Sahibzadas so poignantly that it brought tears in to the eyes of the devotees. The jatha (group) of singers consisting of Bahi Amarjit Singh, Bhai Amarjit Singh Mann and Bhai Sukhdev Singh, sang songs of heroism, bravery and sacrifice of the Sahibzadas. They described at length the story of the Sahibzadas’ sacrifice. Bibi Ravideep Kaur of Akal Academy, in her address to the congregation, dwelt on the importance of education and exhorted the gathering to pay greater attention to the proper education of their children which she described as the most valuable investment that parents can ever make. Bibi Paramjit Kaur Cheema, President of Gurdwara Sikh Sangat also addressed the congregation.

She spoke about the unique tradition of sacrifice of the Sikh community and paid homage to the Sahibzadas. Sikhs have a glorious tradition of heroism, bravery and sacrifice which they take pride in. In fact, the history of the Sikhs is replete the stories of sacrifice, coming from the Sikh Masters down to their followers. The family of Bhai Hardeep Singh Gurna hosted the Guru ka Langar (free food) and received the blessings of the Guru (Shri Guru Granth Sahib) in abundance. The tradition of langar is unique to the Sikhs. In all Sikh temples, free food is served to everyone who comes in. To know more about Sikhism, visit a Sikh Temple, preferably on a Sunday between 11 A.M. and 2 P.M. or on a special occasion, like the observance of martyrdom of the Sahibzadas.