Chardi Kala Jatha: Sada Sat Simran Singh (Hazoori Ragi), Guruprakash Singh and young generation Amar Singh & Amar Bir Singh
In a historic event that marked a significant moment of cultural and spiritual exchange, Chardi Kala Jatha was invited to perform Gurbani Kirtan at Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Bobigny, the largest Gurdwara in France. This event fosters a deeper connection between the diverse communities within the Sikh diaspora in France and the 3HO-Sikh Dharma Community.
Gurdial Singh, the head and founder of Singh Sabha Gurdwara, in his introductory words, expressed immense joy at hosting Chardi Kala Jatha, particularly noting their uniqueness, the only Western Sikh jatha that has studied Gurbani Kirtan and performs regularly at the Harimandir Sahib in Amritsar.
“These Singhs, who are dressed up, are fighting for the Guru,” Gurdial Singh said in his address. “They do very beautiful kirtan and go to every country in the world to share their devotion. These are Gursikhs, they have a path from yoga to the Shabd Guru, and today, we are honored to have them here with us. Their presence and the way they conduct kirtan connect us all to Guru Maharaj’s teachings.”
Key figure from the French Sikh community, Ranjit Singh, from the Council of Sikhs of France, who is also the Deputy Mayor of Bobigny, despite his busy schedule filled with political commitments, made it a point to attend the kirtan, demonstrating his support for such inter-community cooperation. “It is vital that we come together in harmony to sing the praises of the Guru” he said. “Events like these strengthen our bonds and help us grow in unity and understanding.” www.sikhsdefrance.fr
French, British and American 3HO-Sikh Dharma Community members who visited Singh Sabha Gurdwara with Gurdial Singh, Hazoori Raagi Jugraj Singh and members of the French Sikh Community
The connection between the French Sikh Community and the 3HO-Sikh Dharma Community dates back decades.
Gurdial Singh, one of the pioneering members of the French Sikh community, established the first Gurdwara in France in his apartment in the 1980s. He hosted Yogi Bhajan a couple of times and even visited the European Yoga Festival with his three sons who today run the programs of the Singh Sabha Gurdwara, at the time it was organized in Loches, Center of France.
Sarabjit Kaur, long time 3HO-Sikh Dharma community member and 3HO Europe board member, surrounded by Jasvir Singh, Surinder Kaur and other members of the Bobigny delegation
The European Sangat has come together every year for the last 45 years to create the largest Kundalini Yoga event which gathers people from over 40 countries and diverse backgrounds. “This Festival is infused and framed by Sikh values, we meditate together, practice Kundalini Yoga together and bow to the same Guru,” said Manou Kaur.
Reflecting on the evolution and the growth of the Sikh community and its institutions, Gurdial Singh remarked, “Our good deeds have brought us to this day, where we see such a diverse group of Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike coming together in the spirit of love and devotion. We are truly blessed.”
Jasvir Singh and Jugraj Singh, Hazoori Raagi from Darbar Sahib played Gurbani kirtan with Guruprakash Singh from Chardikala Jatha
Looking forward, there are plans for continued cooperation. With both entities sharing common spiritual values and a commitment to spreading Sikh Dharma teachings, moments like these are likely to become more frequent. “We are humbled that Gurdial Singh and his entire family remember us and want to maintain this beautiful relationship with such a diverse group of people who are inspired by the Sikh faith,” concluded Simran Singh.
Article excerpted from “The Sangat News” 2024 Winter Solstice Edition
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