MILFORD, MA: Sikhs in large numbers from New England, states of Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, gathered at the Gurdwara Sahib, Milford, Mass. on April 18, 1993 to celebrate the 294th birthday of the Khalsa. The celebration started with the Bhog of Sri Akhand Path Sahib hosted by Dr.Kanwaljit Singh Anand.
A Jatha of American Sikhs from Sri Guru Ramdas Ashram, Millis, Mass recited the Gurbani Kirtan, after which, the Jatha of Bhai Randhir Singh of New Delhi performed the Kirtan of the Akali Bani suiting the occasion, S.Amarjit Singh Buttar shared with the Sangat the importance o! Basakhi and the need to follow the message of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib in the day to day life. He particularly emphasized the need to understand that Kakars” should not be construed merely as symbols of the Khalsa but as personal gilts from Guru Gobind Singh Ji to his Sikhs. He called upon the Sangat to take Amrit in large numbers and seek Guru’s blessings. S.Harbans Singh Sandhu also spoke on the importance of Vasakhi in todays world and described its historical significance.
The landmark of the celebration was the groundbreaking ceremony for the Langar Hall at the Gurdwara Sahib. Due to the persistent and untiring efforts of the past President, trustee and long time community member, S Jasbir Singh Gandhi, an architect by profession, the plan was recently approved by the town of Milford, Panj Pyaras, namely Bhai Swaran Singh Ji resident priest of the Gurdwara Sahib, Dr.Ravinder Singh of Connecticut. S.Amarjit Singh Buttar, the former President, S.Tarsem Singh of Massachusetts and Dr.Gurminder Singh Kohli of Massachusetts did the ground breaking after ardas by Bhai Swaran Singh Ji.
Karah Parshad was distributed and langar was served in the open premises of the Gurdwara Sahib in perfect weather conditions of bright sunshine on a nice warm day after months of dismal and cold wintery weather.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 21, 1993
