Navi Mumbai: The Sikh community in Navi Mumbai recently commemorated the onset of Nanakshahi Samvat 557 with a three-day religious program organized by Shri Guru Singh Sabha Vashi Gurudwara, in collaboration with the Supreme Council of Navi Mumbai Gurudwaras, Managing committees, Sewak Jathas and Sadh Sangat.
This annual event, traditionally held within the Vashi Gurudwara premises, has grown over the past 12 years, now takes place in open grounds to accommodate the increasing number of devotees.
“The Nanakshahi Samvat is essentially the new year of the community and it holds great significance. The three day program was held from March 13 to 15 and this marks the new 557th year of Sikh community,” said the General secretary of the Supreme Council, MS Randhawa.
The celebrations featured various spiritual activities, including Kirtan (devotional singing), Katha (spiritual discourses), and Langar (community kitchen), fostering a sense of unity and devotion among attendees. Additionally, informational stalls were set up to educate visitors about the significance of the Nanakshahi Calendar and its relevance to Sikh traditions.
The event saw participation from nine Gurudwaras across Navi Mumbai and the Punjabi Cultural Welfare Association, reflecting the community’s collective spirit.
The dignitaries that graced the occasion, including Maharashtra’s Forest Minister and Palghar District Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik, former MP Dr. Sanjeev Naik, and former MLA Sandeep Naik. They offered prayers and extended their best wishes.
Community leaders such as Tejinder Singh, President of Shri Guru Singh Sabha Vashi; Amarjeet Singh, President of Vashi Gurudwara; Mehr Singh Randhawa, Former President of Airoli Gurudwara; and Jaspaal Singh Ajmani, Secretary of Vashi Gurudwara, were also present. They emphasized the importance of preserving Sikh traditions and the cultural significance of the Nanakshahi Samvat celebrations.
During the event, members of Vashi Gurudwara addressed key community concerns with Minister Ganesh Naik including allocation of plots for conducting community related activities. “We are presently hosting such programs on space taken on rent,” the Minister was asked to help us to procure a suitable piece of land. “He has assured of doing the needful at the earliest,” adds Randhawa.
The festivities concluded , with attendees expressing gratitude for the opportunity to come together in celebration of their rich heritage and looking forward to continued unity in the years to come.
