Gurdwaras in the US and around the world recently celebrated the Gurgaddi Diwas of the 7th Guru, Guru Har Rai Ji, and Sikh New Year as Sikh Environment Day. Sikh Society of Dayton also took part in this celebration by observing EcoSikh Day at the Gurdwara Sahib during its regular Sunday Divan to share reflections on the Environment with the Sangat.
Sangat members, including adults, youth, and even kids, along with Ex-Mayor of the City of Riverside, Mr. Bill Flaute, participated in planting a ceremonial tree at the Gurdwara Sahib.
Speaking on this occasion, Mayor Flaute thanked the Sikh Community for sustaining the environment by planting trees every year on Sikh Environmental Day. He further added that we adults might not enjoy shades of fruits from these trees, but our generations will appreciate this effort.
Shabad Kirtan focused on the environment enshrined in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji were recited by the youth and Granthi Bhai Hem Singh during the Kirtan Darbar. Youth sung the Aarti “Gagan Mein Thal” and “Aap Saha(n)dhe Dhukh Jag Varusaiaa”
Bhai Hem Singh shared Guru Har Rai Ji’s message, inspiring Sikhs to care for nature and the environment. He said that our Gurus knew and preached the importance of a clean environment and preservation of the earth. Guru Har Rai Ji was especially known to be concerned about our mother nature and preserving the earth for the future generation. Gurbani has many references to keep our environment clean. He told the famous Sakhi of young Guru Har Rai Ji been told by his grandfather Guru Hargobind Ji to take care while strolling in the garden and Guruji’s resolution to never harm anything in the world, even the flowers close to the ground.
Ardas was also done for the peace of the departed souls and the families of the victim of the horrific crime in which eight people were shot dead in Atlanta, Georgia, on the evening of March 16, 2021.
