Discovering Sikhism through fairs and Gurudwaras

Punjab, the fertile region in western India and Pakistan, is not just the land of five rivers but also the holy land where the great leader Guru Nanak founded Sikhism in the 15^th century. Based on stories of valour and sacrifice, Sikhism, today, is one of the most important and popular religions of the world. A trip to this land of mustard fields and benevolent and hearty people will introduce you to the various stories of martyrdom and goodwill in the Sikh community. Even the festivals of the Sikh are the birthday celebrations of the ten Sikh gurus or a commemoration of the sacrifices of the Sikh leaders who gave their life in order to protect their land and religion.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia / Simbu123

One such story is that of two young brothers, Sahibzada Fateh Singh and Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, sons of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. The brothers were entombed alive during the rule of Wariz Khan. It was year December 1705 when these two valorous Sikhs were ordered to be buried alive in a tomb by Wazir Khan, the governor of Patiala. The two brothers are the youngest martyrs in recorded history and their tale goes on to emphasize the dedication for one’s religion. The Shaheedi Jhor Mela is an important event in the Sikh calendar dedicated to the young martyrs. Scheduled from December 26^th to December 28^th 2015, this three day long fair starts with an ankhand path of Gurugranth Sahib, the holy text of the Sikhs. This solemn observation of the death of the young kids for their faith attracts around ten lakh visitors to the town of Patiala every year.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia / Markande

The venue of the Akhand Path is Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib where the two brothers were entombed. On day two of the festival religious and political leaders address the attendees and give speech on the values of Sikhism. Meanwhile, people from far off villages happily serve at the langars. A number of langars are organised by devotees who not only donate money but also serve food and wash utensils in the spirit of community service. The third day or the last day of the mela or fair is marked with a procession or Nagar Kirtan from Fatehgarh Sahib to Gurudwara Jyoti Swaroop, where the brothers were cremated. Nagar Kirtans are important part of Sikh festivals. These processions are led by Panj Pyare or the five kids beloved to the Guru followed by the Holy Gurugranth Sahib that is decorated in full grandeur. The processions during Baisakhi and Guru Punima are often the most spectacular ones.

The most famous Gurudwara of the world - the Golden Temple

Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib in Sirhind, Punjab, is an important Sikh Pilgrimage. Situated just five kilometres from Patiala, this Gurudwara attracts millions of devotees every year. On a religious trip to Punjab, do not miss out on this Gurudwara which is just 200 kilometeres from the Golden Temple of Amritsar and 80 kilometres from Anandpur Sahib. Now, with Hotels Unlimited @ MakeMyTrip make your pilgrimage completely hassle free by choosing comfortable hotels in Amritsar, Chandigarh and other major cities and booking your bus, air and train tickets with us.