On Sunday Nov 24th, Sikhs celebrated birth anniversary of first Sikh Guru Shri Guru Nanak Dev ji at Milford Gurdwara Sahib. Hundreds of devotees assembled to celebrate Guru’s birthday and listen to blissful Gurbani Kirtan. Local youth, sangat members, head priest Bhai Ramgupal Singh and Bhai Chamanjit Singh ji Lal sang Gurbani shabads (Hymns). Bhai Chamanjit Singh ji Lal, who is a well-known raagi visited from India on this occasion. He enthralled the congregation with his rendition of Gurbani. Gurbani – divine poetry, composed by Sikh Guru’s, Bhagat’s and Sufi saints in the praise of the Almighty is like a beacon that guides every Sikh’s life. And listening to Gurbani Kirtan is both blissful and enchanting to the soul. Bhai Chamanjit Singh ji Lal’s is blessed with a melodious voice. His style of Kirtan is simple and engaging. When he sings, audience also start to sing along with him which creates an ambience full of spiritual enlightenment.

Bhai Chamanjit Singh ji Lal lives in Delhi, India. He is singing Gurbani for about forty years now. His roots are in Peshawar, Pakistan. In 1947 when India was divided into two countries, his parents came to Delhi as part of great exodus of Hindus and Sikhs from Pakistan. Bhai Lal ji was born in Delhi. His parents were devout Sikhs and were frequent visitors to Saint Sujan Singh ji’s, who was bringing Sikhs close to the Guru with his sermons and melodious Kirtan. Bhai Lal ji learned Gurbani Kirtan from him.  Now Bhai Lal ji visit all around the world, sing Gurbani kirtan and spread message of Guru Nanak, which is ‘Nobody is Hindu or Muslim – all are children of one God’. Then why we hate each other? If all human beings can understand Guru Nanak’s message then there will be no more conflicts in the world due to race or religion and dream of Guru Nanak will come true. Key to world peace is education, knowledge and spiritual enlightenment. As Guru Nanak said, ‘Contemplate and reflect upon knowledge, and you will become a benefactor to others.’

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