In Machhiwara Sahib, a mourning assembly is organized
at Gurudawara Charan Kanwal Sahib on 8th, 9th and 10th of
Poh every year in commemoration of the ill-fated time when Guru Gobind Singh Ji
paid a visit to this town during crisis of 1761 Sambat (22nd,
23rd and 24th December, 1704 AD).
On 6th Poh Akhand Path (Non-stop reading of
Guru Granth Sahib) commences at Gurudwara Jhar Sahib which concludes on 8th
Poh. From Gurudwara Jhar Sahib, a great procession moves, thereafter, via
Barma, Hedian, Pawat, Sahijo Majra and Ratipur villages and terminates at
Gurudwara Charan Kanwal Sahib. Religious movies are displayed by Dharam Prachar
committee at Gurudwara Jhar Sahib on 7th Poh and at Gurudwara Charan
Kanwal Sahib on 8th Poh respectively. On 8th Poh Akhand
Path commences at Gurudwara Charan Kanwal Sahib which concludes on 10th
Poh. A ceremony of ambrosial baptism is held at Gurudwara Charan Kanwal Sahib
in the noon on 9th Poh. From noon of 9th Poh to 10th
Poh, an assembly (Diwan) is held in which eminent religious vocalist
(Ragi/Dhadi) and poets take part and amuse the audiences (Sangat). Finally, a
procession moves from Gurudwara Charan Kanwal Sahib on 10th Poh and
reaches Gurudwara Kirpan Bhet Sahib via Gurudwara Chaubara Sahib and Gurudwara
Gani Khan Nabi Khan. It returns Gurudwara Charan Kanwal Sahib in the evening
where it concludes. The School children and martial art groups follow a Band party
which leads the procession playing religious tunes. Shri Guru Granth Sahib is
carried on a decorated vehicle followed by emotional congregation.The
procession is organised by SGPC every year.
Another Procession leaves from Fort Anandgarh Sahib at
the night of 6-7 Poh after conclution of Akhand Path. It proceeds on Guru
Gobind Singh Road. That Procession has been led evey year by Baba Joga Singh
since 1995. Prettified Elephant, Camel and Horses dignify the procession. In
addition to it, it contains paintings relating to the life-style of Guru Gobind
Singh Ji in it. The procession reaches Machhiwara Sahib on nearly 6th
day via Gurudwara Pariwar Vichhoda, Gurudwara Batha Sahib, Gurudwara Chamkaur
Sahib and Gurudwara Jhar Sahib. The motive of that procession is to bring the
followers in touch with Guru’s way of life and try to experience the pains that
Guru ji would have suffered in the way. From Machhiwara Sahib, it passes
Ghulal, Katana Sahib, Sahnewal, Alamgir, Rattan, Mohi, Heran, Raikot,
Lame-Jatpur, Mehteana, Takhatpura, Madehake and ultimately reaches Dina Sahib
where it concludes.
Although the motive of the mourning assembly is to
express sympathy with Guru Gobind Singh ji, his martyred Sikhs, Sahibjadas and
Mata Gujar Kaur, pay homage and pray God for the peace of departed souls yet a
number of ignorant and misled people are seen making merry as if they are
paying a visit to a fair.
