Dayton, Ohio, 30 November, 2025 (Sameep Singh Gumtala)
The Sikh Society of Dayton Gurdwara Sahib observed the 350th Shaheedi Purab of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, along with the martyrdom of Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji, and Bhai Dayala Ji, with deep reverence and a strong focus on youth involvement.
The program began with the Akhand Path Sahib and the Bhog ceremony, and this year’s main aim was to encourage children and youth to connect personally with the Guru’s sacrifice through Gurbani.
A Unique Educational Initiative
In the weeks leading up to the event, volunteers at the Gurdwara Sahib organized weekend classes to teach the children the correct pronunciation and recitation of Salok Mahala 9, the final verses added by Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Their hard work was clearly visible during the Bhog ceremony, when a group of ten children recited the Saloks together. Their confident and clear recitation created a meaningful and emotional moment for the parents and the entire Sangat.
From Recitation to Musical Performance
During the subsequent Kirtan Diwan, the youth participation continued. The same group of children did the Kirtan of Salok Mahala 9, with three children playing the Tabla while the others sang with the Harmonium, seamlessly merging musical skill with devotion.
Before the Akhand Path, events also featured presentations by a wider group of about 30 young participants. These children delivered speeches on the Guru’s life and sacrifice, recited the Mool Mantar, and shared other verses of Gurbani, with many demonstrating their dedication by having memorized the sacred Saloks.
The successful program was met with overwhelming appreciation from the Sangat and the Gurdwara Sahib Committee, who lauded the effort of volunteers and parents for investing their time in the spiritual growth of the youth.
The Committee offered heartfelt thanks to the dedicated team of volunteers whose efforts in teaching the children made this entire initiative possible. Special prizes were distributed to all participating children as encouragement.
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