Solemn Sikh Spirit Rises at Tercentennial Celebration of Siri Guru Granth Sahib,
at Palatine, IL

Chicago, Oct. 21, 2008
Raj. Mago

Jo Bole So Nihal………Sat Siri Akaal !!!

Solemn Sikh Spirit Rises at Tercentennial Celebration of Siri Guru Granth Sahib as Eternal Guru

A joyous congregation of nearly 1000 Sikhs of the Sikh Religious Society in Palatine Illinois assembled and celebrated the 300th anniversary of the Sikh Scripture ordained as their Eternal Guru by the tenth and the last living Guru of the Sikhs Guru Gobind Singh, on October 20, 1708 thereby abolishing the lineage of living Gurus of Sikhs.

“Aagya Bhayee Akaal Ki, Tabhi Chalaayo Panth. Sabh Sikhan Ko Hukam Hai Guru Maanyo Granth.”

(God commanded me to start this faith tradition. From now on all my Sikhs are hereby ordered to accept Granth as their Guru)

The celebration consisted of "Kirtan" (singing of hymns), "Katha" (sermons), "Dhadi Jatha" upbeat and uplifting traditional singing, distribution of sweets and Langar. There were lectures and reflections about the treasure of wisdom in Gurbaani from Guru Granth Sahib. Members talked about the need to create more awareness of the Guru's wonderful message of peace and harmony contained in Guru Granth Sahib. This is needed among our own community and also in the mainstream.

Despite being a weekday and working day evening an enthusiastic congregation of local Sikhs assembled in the Gurudwara. An even larger congregation is expected on the special weekend celebration on Sunday Oct. 26.

Many members of the Sangat took upon themselves to complete reading of the 1430 pages scripture at their own pace, known as “Sehaj Paath”. The uninterrupted end to end continuous reading of the holy book is known as "Akhand Paath."

The community members congratulated each other for being so fortunate to witness this tercentennial in their own life time.

"The best tribute you as a Sikh can give to this historical event is to actually read yourself, understand, and apply in your daily living," said Bhai Mohinder Singh the head granthi of the Gurudwara in Palatine.

Rajinder Singh Mago read the State of Illinois Governor's Proclamation declaring Oct. 20, 2008 as "Siri Guru Granth Sahib Day" in the State of Illinois.

Twenty five million Sikhs celebrated this event with great veneration and enthusiasm throughout the world where ever they call home.

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