The 540th Prakash Utsav of Sri Guru Nanak Devji, the founder of Sikhism, was celebrated with great fervour on November 2. Hundreds of devotees thronged the Sri Dasmesh Darbar in Papatoetoe in the evening – they included not only Sikhs but also the Hindus and Indians from other states of India. Some Kiwis also attended the evening – sending out the message how Indians have been accepted and merged in the mainstream here.
The celebrations started with the changing of ‘Chola Sahib’ of Sri ‘Nishan Sahib’ by Sikh volunteers and it was raised aloft amid the chanting of ‘Bole so Nihal – Sat Sri Akal’.
Dignitaries of the evening included list MPs Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Melissa Lee and Dr. Cam Calder who were extended a warm welcome by Mr Prithipal Singh Basra on behalf of the Sikh Sangat and the Sewak Committee.
Mr Singh briefly highlighted Guru Nanak’s contribution for the welfare of the common man in society – how Nanak’s sermons were in a very simple language easily understandable by one and all and how he raised his voice against the exploitation of poor by rich, of lower caste by upper caste people, superstitious practices and proved himself to be a great social reformer.
Guru Nanak spread the message of oneness of all human beings irrespective of their caste, class or social status and oneness of God.
Mr Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi congratulated the Sangat on this auspicious day and urged upon them to follow Guru Nanak’s teachings in true spirit in deeds and actions in our day to day life.
Raj Bedi – the Secretary before giving his vote of thanks, shared with the Sangat three Tenets of Sikhism gifted by Guru Nanak Devji. ‘Naam Japo’ – Always remember his name; ‘Kirt Karo’ – earn your livelihood honestly and ‘Vand Chako’ – share with those who don’t have.
Ms Melisaa Lee and Dr. Cam Calder also extended greetings to the Sangat.
On this auspicious occasion the website of the Gurudwara was officially launched by the MPs. The address is
www.sridasmeshdarbar.com. You can read Guru Granth Sahib on line, listen Japji Sahib, Rehraas Sahib, Anand Sahib and also view Kirtan from Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar and listen to live Kirtan from Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar. It also has several other useful and informative links for the benefit and convenience of the community. Suggestions and feed back for updating this website are invited from the community.
Mr Prithipal Singh Basra, Mr Ajit Singh Randhawa and Mr Beant Singh Jador honoured the distinguished guests on behalf of the Sewak Committee.
Website creator Jasbir Dhillon was presented with a Siropa for his ‘Nishkaam’ sewa and his invaluable contribution towards the community. Guru Ka Langar was served to the devotees.
The Gurupurab celebrations’ grand finale concluded with a wonderful display of fireworks equally enjoyed by kids and parents.