Daily Times:
By Fawad Hasan
KARACHI: The soothing sound of holy scriptures being recited at a Gurdwara intensifies as one starts nearing the end of Narayan Pura Compound, in Old City Area, Ranchore Line. The festival being celebrated Monday night at the Sikh worship place was one of the most anticipated events of the community in Karachi.
The place is named as ‘Gurdwara Guru Garanthi Sikh Sabha’ that welcomes around 300-400 Sikh community members whenever there is a religious festival. The Gurdawara is more than 100 years old, and caters to the spiritual needs of many a people belonging to the said community.
The attendees, if not Sikhs, are asked to cover their heads before entering into the sacred place as a sign of respect. The Sikh believers prostrate to their Guru of the religion as soon as they step into the worship place. The priest or ‘Garanthi’ who keeps reciting the scripture with religious ethos and dedication sits in a perish-like-compartment to fulfil the ordered responsibility. No one is asked of his religion, caste or creed before getting into the place, which represents the harmony Sikh religion immaculately, follows.
“On this very day, some major events of our religion took place, namely the 3rd and 4th Gurus’ Joti Jot which means departure of their soul from this world, crowning of 4th and 5th Gurus meaning they were given the authority to lead their people”, said Sardar Ramesh Singh, Chairman Pakistan Sikh Council. “That’s why to commemorate it, we hold special rituals and serve food to all the attendees”, he further adds.
Categories: Asia