Dr. Avnish Jolly, Winnipeg, Canada November 14, 2014 : Devotes of Guru Sahib Ji turned out at Gurdawara Sahib, northwest Winnipeg Thursday to welcome Guru Granth Sahib Ji, had travelled all the way from India. There were fireworks and a crowd filled the night sky with flashes and with “Jo bole so nihaal… sat sri akal!” They had made their way to Surrey, B.C., and the Sikh Society of Manitoba chartered a bus to bring them here.
“Today is a very historic day for the Sikh people in Manitoba,” said Harbans Singh Brar, President, Sikh Society. Brar added, “There are eight Gurdawara Sahib in Winnipeg and wanted more copies of the Guru Granth Sahib for their congregations and programs,”
Guru Granth Sahib Ji received an overwhelming welcome at the Gurdawara Sahib on Mollard Road, carried on the heads of worshippers who walked along a red carpet extending from the bus to the Gurdawara Sahib. Guru Sahib Ji will spend the night at the Sikh Society Gurdawara Sahib and then some will be given to other Gurdawara Sahib’s in the city, with a few more profitable to devotes homes.
Over 300 years ago, the tenth guru, Gobind Singh Ji, announced he would be the last of the living human Gurus. He appointed the sacred text of Adi Granth as the final, everlasting Guru, to be called Guru Granth Sahib Ji. This collection of spiritual words is exceptionally unique, specifically involving religious purposes, 1430-page book is written in dialects of Punjabi, Sanskrit and Persian. Devotees do not worship only; they do respect the knowledge and teachings that it offers in the messages of the poems. These lessons include equality for everyone that truthful living is essential, and there is one God and people should live within His desires.
Worshippers lined up to bow down before the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Some were taken to a quieter upstairs room, while below in the main prayer hall volunteers took turns fanning Guru Granth Sahib Ji with a whisk and ragi jatha sang devotional prayers and played the table.
“Devotees bow down to the Guru Granth Sahib to seek blessings and pay their homage” said Amit Kumar, devotee.