First day of moon’s light fortnight of Bhadon (corresponding to the Sept.8 this year) is very important day in the Sikh Chronology. Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh Holy Book was completed on this day in 1604 AD. It was placed in a gorgeous palanquin and most reverently it was taken, in big a procession, from the site of its compilation at the Bank of the Ramsar Tank to Harmandir, the present Golden Temple.

A few hundred yards away. The Temple was conspicuously renovated and sanctified for the purpose. In the middle of the Harmandir, where the revered Guru used to sit himself, Guru Granth Sahib was invested. From then onward Guru Anjan always sat on one side giving priority to the Holy Book.

The Sikhs all over the world celebrate the ‘occasion most respectfully and joyously. This year the Sikhs living in Toronto and Suburb made a history to commemorate the day, sri Guru Singh Sabha, Airport Road, Malton, with the collaboration and cooperation of Ontario Khalsa.

Darbar Dixie Road and Gur Sikh Sabha Scarborough arranged to give the circumstance a universal acceptance, . Weather-wise Sunday September 25, selected for the celebrations, proved to be the most befitting day. About ten thousand men, women and children walked at least eight miles, going from Malton Sikh ‘Temple up on the Moming Star, right on Gorway, rounding on Derry Road and back through Airport Road, ft. was most disciplined route ever seen on the roads in Mississauga, probably in Ontario, The people participating in the cavalcade were very diligently kept to the right half of the road (and for that, credit goes to the dozens of volunteers), All the way people were reciting religious hymns, particularly the ladies. (Sanctity of the occasion was observed so assiduously that a young boy was heard whispering.

to his sister, ‘you are not allowed to say anything except Satnam Waheguru and Sat Siri Akal’). ‘The young men displaying their feats in ‘fencing’ (a few with naked swords) under the superb guidance of sturdy septa I a Subedar Sardar Singh Bal who led the procession the accompaniment of beats of two Dholaks (Punjabi Drums). The apes point was the beautifully decorated Palanquin carrying the Guru Granth Sahib (the Holy Book), Pulled by a Jeep it was following the Panj Pyare (the Five ‘Ones) on horsebacks with naked swords on their shoulders, Five Khalsa flag bearers we reing bare footed in front of them. Their Blue and Kaisery light saffron) attire was most impressive. wean the Holy Palanquin and thousands of devotees behind, the children from the Khalsa School, by D i: je Rosd Gurdwars, in their bright shining white dresses and Kaisery Dupatas or Patkas OR OI  MN Fan (Turbans) made the occasion most colorful, ‘On their way back the precisionists were entertained with abundant ‘of sweetmeats and hundreds of packs of soft drinks handed out by Shanc Darbar Restaurant and Golden Groceries. Back in the incis of Malton Sikh Temple the participants were served with untold amount and variety of Indian.

Snacks and Hot and Cold Drinksall through the courtesy of local businesses ‘The organizers were most enthusiastic about the successful and peaceful culmination of the parade was their first adventure of such magnitude ootside congested Toronto Down Town end a few premict stewards of Malton and Dixie Gurdwaras (who had been foremost in guiding the people straying towards the walkways) very proudly pronounced that it would be the biggest occasion of Ontario, perhaps, ‘Canada in the future. In attendance also were several MPs of the area, “The organizers deserve full compliments for their efforts. Contributed by Pritpal Singh Bindra, Mississauga, Ont.

Article extracted from this publication >>  October 7, 1994