What is Sarbat Khalsa? ਸਰਬੱਤ ਖਾਲਸਾ ਕੀ ਹੈ? सरबत खालसा क्या है?
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When Sikhs gather to discuss issues affecting the Sikh nation collectively, the assembly is known as The Sarbat Khalsa. Every Sikh has the right to participate in it. Initially, Sarbat Khalsa used to convene twice a year on Baisakhi day and Diwali day, but this tradition ceased during Ranjit Singh’s reign as the king of Punjab. However, in 1986, the practice was revived, and The Sarbat Khalsa assembled at Akal Takhat (Amritsar) to address the aftermath of the June 1984 operation Blue Star, which resulted in the desecration and destruction of the Akal Takhat and other sacred Sikh Temples in Amritsar and 48 other locations. Decisions taken at the Sarbat Khalsa are considered binding on all Sikhs worldwide.
The term “Sarbat Khalsa,” meaning “all congregation,” denotes a traditional assembly of all Sikh factions (Khalsa) aimed at discussing significant political, social, and religious matters within the community. This deliberative assembly originated in the 18th century and typically convened biannually.
Who calls for Sarbat Khalsa on Baisakhi Day?
Recently, Amritpal Singh urged the Akal Takht Jathedar to convene Sarbat Khalsa on Baisakhi Day, April 14. This request has garnered attention within the Sikh community, given the historical significance of Sarbat Khalsa summonses during pivotal moments in Sikh history.
Origins and Importance of Sarbat Khalsa
The term “sarbat” signifies “all,” and Sarbat Khalsa gatherings ensured representation from all Khalsa members, functioning as a democratic decision-making body during times of crisis. Notably, during the Mughal era, when offered the title of Nawab by Zakarya Khan, the Sikhs rejected it and opted for a Sarbat Khalsa session to address the matter, marking the inception of this tradition.
Although the tradition persisted during the Sikh misls era, it waned after Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s establishment of the Sikh kingdom in 1799, with the formation of the SGPC reducing the necessity for such assemblies.
Sarbat Khalsa in Contemporary Times
In 1920, Sarbat Khalsa was convened to discuss gurdwara control, and again in 1984 following the Indian Army’s Operation Blue Star in the Golden Temple. Subsequently, in 1986, a panthic committee advocated for Khalistan.
On November 10, 2015, Sikh groups opposed to the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) called for Sarbat Khalsa once more. This assembly attracted Sikhs worldwide, significantly influencing Punjab politics, reigniting demands for a separate Sikh state, the release of Sikh prisoners, and the establishment of a parallel committee to the SGPC.
“ਸਰਬੱਤ ਖਾਲਸਾ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਦੀ ਰੋਸ਼ਨੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਪੰਚ-ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨੀ ਨੂੰ ਰੂਪਮਾਨ ਕਰਦੀ ਸੰਸਥਾ ਹੈ, ਜੋ ਖੁਦਮੁਖਤਿਆਰ ਹੈ, ਦੁਨੀਆਂ ਭਰ ਦੇ ਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਦੀ ਨੁਮਾਇੰਦਗੀ ਕਰਦੀ ਹੈ, ਪਾਰਦਰਸ਼ੀ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਕਿਸੇ ਖਾਸ ਦੇਸ਼-ਸਥਾਨ ਨਾਲ ਬੱਝੀ ਹੋਈ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੈ।”
Kindly check for the details: https://sarbatkhalsa.world/pa
Ash Kapoor ji, this a wonderful essay, by learned brother Sardar Gurpreet Singh, on the subject of Sarbat Khalsa. The undersigned is sure that you will enjoy it.
Respected Ash Kapoor ji,
Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh!
Please click on the link below and read a very good essay on Sarbat Khalsa:-
https://sikhri.org/articles/sarbat-khalsa-gurmata
Regards,
Your Brother
Thank you, scholars, for sharing your knowledge and insights on Sarbat Khalsa, enriching my understanding of this significant aspect of Sikh tradition.