Sri Anandpur Sahib-On the occasion of Holla Mohalla, a symbol of Khalsa pride and grandeur, millions of devotees paid obeisance at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Sri Anandpur Sahib. As part of the Holla Mohalla celebrations, the Akhand Path Sahib was completed at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, followed by Gurbani Kirtan and discourses by various kathawachaks.
During the event, Sri Akal Takht Sahib’s Acting Jathedar and Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib’s Jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, along with senior vice president of SGPC Raghujit Singh Virk, Nihang Singh Dal Panth leaders, and representatives of various Sikh organizations, were present.
On this occasion, Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj emphasized Panthic unity and announced that on the upcoming Vaisakhi, under the banner of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, a religious awareness campaign will be launched from the homes of poor Sikhs. He also instructed the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to call meeting of academic scholars to analyze the Centre government’s new education policy and determine necessary reforms specific to Panth and Punjab.
Jathedar Gargajj reminded the Sikh community that Guru Gobind Singh instilled self-respect, courage, and dignity in his Sikhs, gifting them with unique and unparalleled festivals such as Holla Mohalla. He emphasized that this festival transforms Sikhs from saints into warriors. He expressed happiness upon seeing the youth decorating their tractor-trailers on their way to Anandpur Sahib, symbolizing their dedication to the Guru and true Takhts. He urged Sikh youth to attend future Holla Mohalla events dressed in traditional Khalsa attire and be trained in martial arts and Gurbani.
Highlighting the threats to Gurmukhi and the Punjabi language, Jathedar Gargajj questioned whether parents ensured their children were learning Gurmukhi from the first grade. He called for serious efforts to protect the mother tongue, Punjabi, which connects Sikhs to the holy Guru Granth Sahib. He instructed the SGPC to analyze the new education policy and identify Punjab-specific reforms, ensuring that it serves the interests of Punjab and the Sikh community.
He lamented that despite Sikhs having endured immense sacrifices and historic hardships, some are forgetting their glorious history. This forgetfulness, he warned, has led to religious conversions in Punjab, including in areas like Majha, historically a stronghold of Sikh faith. He stressed the need for Sikhs to remain firm in their faith.
Jathedar Gargajj also criticized the Punjab government for failing to take action in terrorism act of 2017 Maur Mandi bomb blast , which resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including five children. He alleged that the vehicle used in the attack was prepared at the anti-Sikh Sirsa Dera property but, despite this, no action had been taken against the Dera chief. He called on the Punjab government to ensure justice for the victims.
Furthermore, he highlighted the double standards in law enforcement, stating that if a young Sikh is found possessing a book by freedom fighter Bhai Sahib Bhai Randhir Singh, he is immediately arrested under strict laws, while rapists like Sirsa Dera head are granted frequent paroles. He criticized the government’s failure to release Sikh political prisoners despite completing their sentences, while other criminals continue to receive preferential treatment.
Jathedar Gargajj warned that efforts are being made to push Sikhs into internal conflicts and violent confrontations, aiming to tarnish the community’s international reputation. He said that these divisions have led to increased government interference in Sikh Gurdwaras. He vowed from the platform of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib that Sikh adversaries would not be allowed to take control of sacred Gurdwaras.
He emphasized the need for Sikhs to unite under Guru Granth Sahib and Guru Panth, stating that Panthic unity is the only solution to current challenges. On this occasion, he also remembered Sikh generals Sardar Baghel Singh, Sardar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, and Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, stating that their unity enabled them to conquer Delhi. He urged that Sikh unity should be rooted in Gurbani and Sikh traditions.
Jathedar Gargajj announced that in 2025, on the upcoming Vaisakhi (Khalsa Sajna Divas), a massive religious awareness campaign will be launched from the homes of poor Sikhs under the Nishan Sahib of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. He called upon the entire Sikh Panth to support this movement.
Honoring of Jathedar by Nihang Singh Jathedbandis
On this occasion, various Nihang Singh organizations honored Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj by presenting him with turbans and robes of honour at his residence here. Jathedar Gargajj acknowledged the Nihang Singh organizations as the pride and guardians of the Sikh community. The Nihung representatives assured their continuous support for the SGPC and Sri Akal Takht Sahib, pledging to always uphold the dignity of the Jathedars.