May 25, 2013 - KUALA LUMPUR: The largest Sikh festival in the world outside Punjab, which commemorates the death anniversary of a revered saint, will be held in the Malaysian state of Malacca next week.
The 'Barsi' celebrations commemorate the death of Sikh priest Sant Baba Sohan Singh Ji and will be held at the Gurdwara Sahib in Jalan Temenggong for four days from Thursday.
Over 45,000 Sikhs from Europe, Australia, United States and Asia are expected to make the pilgrimage to the Gurdwara, the New Straits Times reported.
A sizeable number of Sikhs live in Malacca, and Sikh pilgrims from Malacca and abroad congregate in the gurdwara every year to observe the occasion.
This year, besides the unique aspect of Barsi, the continuous recital of the Sikh Holy Book, Sri Guru Granth Sahib over three days, a special memorial would be held for a another religious figure Giani Mahinder Singh Ji Khalsa, known as 'Khalsa Ji'.
Malaysia is home to about 1 lakh Sikhs.
---------------------------------
Related Article:
Largest gathering of Sikhs
http://www.nst.com.my/latest/largest-gathering-of-sikhs-1.285981
25 May 2013 - MALACCA: The stage is all set for Barsi, the largest Sikh event in the world outside Punjab, to commemorate the death anniversary of Sant Baba Sohan Singh Ji.
The celebrations will be held at the Gurdwara Sahib Malacca here for four days from Thursday.
Over 45,000 Sikhs from Europe, Australia, United States and Asia are expected to make the pilgrimage to the gurdwara or Sikh temple in Jalan Temenggong.
This year, besides the unique aspect of Barsi, the continuous recital of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh Holy Book) over three days, a special memorial would be held for a former priest or Giani Mahinder Singh Ji Khalsa, more affectionately known as "Khalsa Ji"'.
According to Sant Sohan Singh Ji Malacca Memorial Society Malaysia president, Baldev Singh, Khalsa Ji was recognised as an institution of Sikh missionary work or "Sikhi Parchar" in Malaysia, Singapore, Germany, Holland, Britain, Pakistan, India and Indonesia.
"Khalsa Ji has also travelled extensively to promote the message of Sikhism to the Sikh youth around the world and was well-versed with the sacred scriptures of the Sikh Holy Book.
"Khalsa Ji shared a close relationship with the revered Sant Sohan Singh Ji and was picked to carry on the legacy of the latter's mission to promote Sikhism.
"Upon the demise of Sant Sohan Singh Ji in 1972, the Sant Sohan Singh Ji Malacca Memorial Society Malaysia was set up by the Sikh community of Malaysia and Singapore, to promote Sikhism and the training of parcharaks (preachers) and Khalsa Ji volunteered to undertake the noble cause.
"Khalsa Ji's devotion and dedication eventually led him to take over duties from Giani Santa Singh as the chief instructor at the Vidyala (training centre) with 22 students training to be priests
"Of this initial batch of students, five graduated in 1979 and went on to serve in various temples in the country."
Khalsa Ji left Vidyala Malacca in 1979 and started training priests in Negri Sembilan, including Giani Sukhdaiv Singh Ji who is now at the Gurupuri Foundation, a foster home in Ampang, Selangor, besides encouraging youths from Singapore and Malaysia to set up a registered society to promote the message and mission of Sant Ji.
According to Baldev, Khalsa Ji's uttermost dedication to service was commendable.
"Khalsa Ji carried on selfless service of the Sikh Panth although he was medically unwell for some time till his death last year."
Sikh devotees at the Gurdwara Sahib Malacca yesterday.