Visit to Fatehgarh Sahib

Born and brought up in Fatehgarh Sahib, yearly December visits to the Gurudwara commemorated to the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh ji's youngest two sons - Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, was routine in my childhood. It was in December that the two children were martyred and in their memory, a three-day sabha is organised each year at Fatehgarh Sahib. Back then, as a child, participating in the sabha and the sacrifices done by those two young children, didn't strike as it did now in my late 30s when I visited the shrine after about 10 years. 

Imagine a nine-year-old and a seven-year-old standing firm in front of the rulers of those times, not budging from their stand to convert to Islam and paying the price with their lives. It seems so unreal in today's times. But those young children taught us a lesson for eternity. I bow to their courage, to their father - Guru Gobind Singh ji's teachings and their grandfather - Guru Teg Bahadur ji's sacrifice - to remain true to faith even if it costs one's life. Their lives, their sacrifices are the foundation/basis of Sikhism.

Never forget them,

For in them are us

And in us must burn the fire they ignited 

The fire to remain true, firm, free and in love with the One.

The Gurbani at the entrance of the gurudwara brings both peace and unrest in the mind -

Jau tau prem khelan ka chau

Sir dhar tali gali meri aau

It marag pair dharijay

Sir deejai kaan na keejay

- Guru Nanak Dev ji

If you want to play the game of love

First put your head on your palm

If you set foot on this path

Don't hesitate to give your head

(English translation)