Yearly update for DC Gurudwara – 2015
Sikh Gurudwara of Washington DC
The Year that was – Wrap up of 2015
With Waheguruji’s Blessings the Sikh Gurudwara DC prospered in 2015. Please find below the highlights for 2015 that we would like to build on this year with the support of our Sangat. Our Sangat’s commitment and hard work is appreciated and by Guru’s grace 2016 will be a better and brighter year.
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!!
Heralding in of 2015
A special kirtan diwan was held in the evening of the new year on Dec 31st 2014 form 7 pm to midnight. After the melodious kirtan by Bhai Surinder Singh and his jatha, the New Year was heralded in by the Sat Sangat with echoes of “Bole So Nihal” .
Guru Gobind Singh Prakash Utsav
The month of January was dedicated to the celebration of Prakash Purab of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
Atam Ras Durbar
On March 21, a special kirtan durbar was held from 7 pm to 11 pm. Resident Ragi jatha plus Ragis from the DC metropolitan area and visiting Ragis participated:
Bhai Jagmohan S (GNFA)
Bhai Gurdarshan S (GGSF)
Bhai Kuldip S (NEW JERSEY)
Bhai Kuldip S (Chantilly)
Bhai Tajinder S ((INDIAN IDOL FAME)
Baisakhi Celebrations
Special Diwan was held at the Gurudwara to celebrate the Baisakhi and the foundation of the Khalsa Panth.
On the occasion of the Baisakhi the sangat from all the Gurudwaras in the DC metropolitan area came together to participate in a Parade on Constitution Avenue to increase awareness about Sikhs and the Sikh faith. Multiple Sevadars (leaders) of the Sikh community, addressed the gathering at the conclusion of the parade. The highlight of the parade was the serving of langar to the parade participants.
A youth group from the Gurudwara performed Gidda at the Baisakhi celebration at the Indian Embassy DC.
NPR Program
On April 12th, NPR featured Vaisakhi celebration on their interfaith radio show. Bhai Sahib ji sang the shabad – “Ek pita Ekas kay hum baarik, Tu mera Gur Haayee”. The radio show also included Sevadar Ravinder Sawhney who explained the meaning of the shabad and Sevadar Rajdeep Singh from the Sikh Coalition who highlighted the importance of Vaisakhi for Sikhs.
Installation of Plaque to honor Pioneers of the DC Gurudwara
On April 19th, a ceremony was held to install a plaque to honor the pioneers, including Sevadar Dr. Shamsher Singh, who were instrumental in establishing the Gurudwara on the prestigious Embassy Row venue.
Workshop on Art through Story Telling
A workshop was conducted by Kaur Foundation on May 15th on the Art through Story Telling. The workshop invited participants to listen to powerful and moving excerpts about Sikh heritage, history and contemporary lives and then create their own visual and/or written art.
Bazaar
Under the guidance of Sevadar Mrs. Pavan Sawhney an open Bazaar was held in June. Volunteers participated and provided goods for sale. All proceeds from the Bazaar were donated to the Gurudwara.
July 4th Independence Day Parade
Sikhs from the DC metropolitan area, including participants from the DC Gurudwara, sponsored a float and walked in the July 4th Independence Day Parade on Constitution Avenue.
Vishesh Kirtan Diwan
On August 9th, a special Kirtan Diwan was held in which Bhai Tajinder Singh of Indian Idol fame was a major attraction.
Interfaith Unity Walk
The congregation from the Gurudwara participated in full force in the annual Interfaith Unity Walk. The highlight was the serving of Langar to about 350 walk participants. In addition, the walk participants who visited the Gurudwara were given a brief introduction of the Sikh faith and traditions.
Visit of Professor Darshan Singh
Professor Darshan Singh Khalsa visited the Gurudwara on October 17th and 18th during which he enthralled the sangat with his kirtan and words of wisdom.
Bandi Chhor Diwas
Special evening diwan was held on November 11th to commemorate the Bandi Chhor Diwas.
Month of Martyrdom
The diwans in the month of December were dedicated to honor the sacrifices of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and all of his Sahibzades.
Recognizing the sevadaars
We are all sevadaars and that selfless service has been critical to the smooth running of the Gurudwara. The wrap up of the year is not complete without specifically recognizing the following sevadaars:
Family of Bhai Surinder Singh – their entire family is devoted to the Gurudwara. Bhai Surinder Singh and his brothers are well known for their melodious voice, heartwarming shabad kirtan and sakhies.
Sikh School – Ms. Harpreet Kaur for establishing and running the Sunday School for children age 4 and above. The school offers three levels – primary, intermediate and advanced. The school curriculum focuses on Gurmat education teaching Punjabi, Sikh history, Sikh values and the life of the Sikh Gurus in a Montessori environment. Classes are taught by dedicated volunteers.
Langar – the langar team is coordinated by Sevadars Inderjeet Kaur, Manjit Kaur and Pammi Sawhney. The langar team’s sewa and seamless running of the kitchen is highly appreciated by the Sangat.
Sevadar Ravinder Sawhney for coordinating and regularly announcing the information about the Gurudwara’s upcoming programs with the Sangat at the Sunday Diwan.
Sevadar Jatinder Kaur and Sevadar Baljit Singh for their seva in maintaining the book keeping/accounting of the Gurudwara. Their strong organizational skills have kept the Gurudwara accounts in good order.
Creator of DC Gurudwara Website and Email – a new committee has been formed comprised of Sevadars Davinder Singh, Harjeet Singh Sachdeva with Mr. and Mrs. Grewal.
Unique and unassuming leadership provided by our Sevadars has led to a harmonious apolitical atmosphere in the Gurudwara. Each member of the sangat is welcomed to take initiative and ownership in whatever way they desire.
With the support of the Sangat we have been able to make some structural improvements to the Gurudwara – the granite courtyard work has been completed as well as repairs to the roof and the garage. With Guruji’s Mehar and the continued efforts of the Sangat we will be able to take on additional work on the Gurudwara this year.
Warm Regards,
Sevadars.