Sikh Community Celebrates Baisakhi with Peace Prayers

Gilbert Ekugbe

The Guru Nanak Satsang Mission (GNSM) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace, unity and harmony in Nigeria, noting that the move is to unite the entire humanity.
Indeed, the religious mission pointed out the need for religious groups in the society to increase their advocacy of preaching peace and love for humanity especially in the difficult times Nigeria and the world at large are currently experiencing.

The Trustee and president of GNSM, Dr. Grover Anil, at a religious peace procession to celebrate its annual Baisakhi festival celebrated every 14th of April, said the mission is using the platform to launch the first stand alone Gurudwara, which he described as the “Home of God” in Nigeria to preach the message of peace and unity for the whole community.
“This Gurudwara is the first stand alone in Nigeria. It means the home of God. It is established by our religious trust which is the first of its kind in Lagos. Gurudwala and Sikhism stands for unity, peace and love for the community. It is not only a temple, but dedicated as an Indian community centre for any religious programme by Hindu religion, Sikhism religion and certainly any ceremony can be organised in this centre,” he said.

in his words: “The biggest message of the mission is love, peace and unity of the entire community as well as for our country Nigeria. This Baisakhi celebration is an annual festival and done every year in April. Most of the time, it is done on the 14th of April all over the world.”

Also speaking, the Head Priest, Golden Temple, Amritsar, India, Hazuri Ragi, said the message from the mission to the world is that God is one, while also preaching brotherhood and peace for everybody, stressing that the message was given on the Baisakhi to unite the entire humanity for peace and brotherhood.

On his part, the president, Shan E Punjab Association of Nigeria (SPAN), Mr. Narinder Chugh, said the mission is a religious affair which has a cultural significance.
According to him, the celebration is also the beginning of a harvest period for agriculture in the whole of India, pointing out on every 14th of April, farmers are happy because of the harvest their crops as children and newly married couples are congratulated and celebrated on the Baisakhi festival.

“On this day, the farmers see their crops and they are happy because their hard work have brought out their produce, the music is played in the evening and the new born babies and new married couples are congratulated and celebrated. We believe that God lies in the heart of everyone, we respect and love everyone. The message is spreading of love and harmony to humanity. The significance of this festival is to praise nature, spread the message of love to everyone all around us,” he added.

The Trustee and Vice president, GNSM, Gurudwara, Mr. Satinder Matharv, said the Gurudwara has no religious barrier and is open to every religion to come for worship and prayers
“This is indicating to everyone that they can come here to worship or pray, there is no religious barriers. Anyone can come from any direction. There is no cost barrier in our religion,” he said.

In his goodwill message, the Trustee and General Secretary of Mission Trust, Mr. Deepinder Singh Walia, said in 14th April 1699, the Guru Gobind Singh 10th Guru of Sikhism installed Khalsa/Singh with a message that God is one, saying that the mission’s aim is for peace and unity.