BABA BAKALA, Amritsar Sahib, Punjab—For the first time in the last few decades, the SGPC took the initiative of marking ‘Rakhri Diwas’ as ‘Sacha Guru Ladho Re Diwas’ at Baba Bakala on August 7.
The annual gathering of ‘Rakhri’ at Baba Bakala has traditionally been a cultural festival of celebration, as there is no provision for any such tradition in the Sikh faith or code of conduct.
Addressing the gathering at Baba Bakala, the SGPC appointed Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh highly appraised the initiative of SGPC president Prof. Kirpal Singh Badungar in marking the day as ‘Sacha Guru Ladho Re Diwas’. He added that the Sikhism has nothing to do with ‘Rakhri’ but unfortunately the annual day has be cited as ‘Rakhar Punnia’ for many decades. He appealed to Sikh women and girls to quit this tradition and gift a turban on this day instead.
Giani Gurbachan Singh also appealed to Sikh preachers to preach Sikhism like Bhai Makhan Shah Lubana to end social evils and help the creation of a robust society.
SGPC President Prof. Kirpal Singh Badungar announced to organize a large scale program commemorated to Bhai Makhan Shah Lubana and Bhai Lakhi Shah Wanjara at Gurdwara Maji Sahib Diwan Hall (Amritsar Sahib). Citing the tale of Bhai Makhan Shah Lubana, Prof. Badungar said that Bhai Makhan Shah Lubana had to face challenge of fake prophets to gain a glimpse of the ninth incarnation of Guru Nanak, Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji. He added that similarly today Sikhs are surrounded by fake ‘Gurus’.