Sikhs Commemorate Delhi Fateh Diwas at the Red Fort

17308_red_fort_2014

NEW DELHI—Sikhs captured the Red Fort on March 11, 1783, exactly 231 years ago and mounted the Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag) at its top.  That Khalsa victory of two centuries ago was celebrated this past week on March 8, and 9, 2014 by the Sikh Sangat of New Delhi, led by the Delhi Shiromani Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), along with other political and religious leaders from Delhi and Punjab.

A large number of Sikhs from different parts of Delhi, Punjab and nearby places gathered outside the Red Fort to celebrate the historical event of when the Nishan Sahib was unfurled at the Red Fort by Sikh army of Sardar Baghel Singh.  The celebrations included kirtan (devotional hymns), and speeches, outside the Red Fort and included a procession in the form of a rally.  Some other non-Sikh activities at the celebrations were also noted, namely performance by Delhi Police band team and non-Sikh entertainment groups.

17308_red_fort_2014_2

A number of figures, including Giani Gurbachan Singh (appointed Jathedar Akal Takht Sahib), Giani Mall Singh (Keshgarh Sahib), Giani Iqbal Singh (former Jathedar, Patna Sahib), Sukhbir Badal, Avtar Makkar (SGPC), MP Tarlochan Singh, Baba Nihal Singh (Tarna Dal) and Baba Balbir Singh (Budha Dal), were present during the celebrations along with leaders of the DSGMC.  The entire program was organized in memory of Sardar Baghel Singh Ji who in 1783 successfully conquered Delhi from Mughal forces.

S. Ajmer Singh Randhawa, a noted Sikh personality from New Delhi has requested the DSGMC to have this historical day added to the curriculum of Indian school books to raise awareness of prestigious Sikh history.  Sardar Randhawa alleged that though the Akali Dal, and DSGMC, can organize large gatherings any day, but without first getting the information added to books, they are not really helping the community much.  He said that students read about Sikh battles with British forces, however there is no information about their battles with Mughal forces.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here