E M C G

A big thank to all the Sangat/ Organisations & Gurdwaras who made this event possible... Maharaj Kirpa naal, the event went very well. SikhRoots - Great Photos :D

Yes, Giani Thakur Singh Jee arrived in England for this event yesterday and will be performing Katha tomorrow.

We have been overwhelmed this year with calls regarding transport and judging by the feedback this year - this event will attract more then the 50,000 strong sangat that attended the 300 Saal Gurgaddi Divas Event last year. All Gurdwaras throughout the UK have been informed regarding this event and many Gurdwaras have arranged coaches/transport. Please contact your local Gurdwaras for details of transport for your area. A list of Gurdwaras and contact details can be seen online at: http://www.boss-uk.org/gurdwara/

We have been overwhelmed this year with calls regarding transport and judging by the feedback this year - this event will attract more then the 50,000 strong sangat that attended the 300 Saal Gurgaddi Divas Event last year. All Gurdwaras throughout the UK have been informed regarding this event and many Gurdwaras have arranged coaches/transport. Please contact your local Gurdwaras for details of transport for your area. A list of Gurdwaras and contact details can be seen online at: http://www.boss-uk.org/gurdwara/

Bhai Gurpreet Singh Jee (Shimla Wale) will be attending the Mahaan Shaheedi Smagam this Sunday, the 5th July. See the link below for details of who else will be there: http://www.emcg.co.uk/mahaan-shaheedi-smag...ils/#ui-tabs-16

Baba Jaswant Singh Jee Nanaksar (Ludhiana Wale) Bhai Ravinder Singh Jee (Sri Darbar Sahib Wale) Bhai Satwinder Singh Jee (Delhi Wale) Bhai Jatinderpal Singh Jee Khalsa (Nottingham Wale) Giani Jaswinder Singh Jee (Sri Darbar Sahib Wale) Giani Takhur Singh Jee (Patiala Wale) Giani Pinderpal Singh Jee (Ludhiana Wale) Bhai Gurpreet Singh Jee (Shimla Wale) Bhai Kuldip Singh Jee (Delhi Wale) Some of the above still pending confirmation. More information about the event can be seen on http://www.emcg.co.uk/mahaan-shaheedi-smagam/

You may recall the outstanding success of the 300th anniversary commemoration of Aad Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji held on 23rd Sept 2008 at Wymeswold Airfield in Loughborough where 50,000 Sikhs attended. This year East Midlands Council of Gurdwaras (EMCG) is once again organising a National Event National Mahaan Shaheedi Samagam Sunday 5th July 09 Wymeswold Airfield, Loughborough Sukhmani Sahib Paat Commencing at 5.00a.m End ardass envisaged for 6.00p.m Langar will be served all day This historical event will commemorate the countless Sikhs who gave up their lives or endured unspeakable hardships in various campaigns for justice and rights. It is because of their sacrifices that we exist today and can practice our faith with respect and dignity. In memory of all Shaheeds of the Panth from Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji to the modern times will be remembered and acknowledged for their contribution to the struggles. Prayers will be held for the victims of the 6 holocaust episodes in Sikh history when men, women and children were killed, simply because they were SIKHS! All sangath are humbly requested to attend with their families so that future generations can appreciate and remember our heritage. Comfort of the sangath bared in mind we have ensured that venue has ample parking site, toilets facilities, baby changing facilities and rest areas, exhibitions and workshops. In addition to Kirtan and Katha from International Jatha’s there will also be: talks in English and Panjabi. The workshops will be interactive and the exhibitions will be inspiring. For further details: Bhupinder Singh Sanghera on 07947741381 or visit the website on www.emcg.co.uk

Vaheguru Jee Ka Khalsa, Vaheguru Jee Kee Fateh... Following the huge success of the 300 Saal Gurgaddi Divas Programme at Wymeswold Airfield, Loughbourough in September 2008 in which we saw up to 50,000 Sangat attend throughout the day, East Midlands Council of Gurdwaras (EMCG) have organised another event to take place this year. DVDs of the previous 300 Saal Gurgaddi Divas Programme are available at: http://www.emcg.co.uk/300-saal-gurgaddi-divas/dvd/ This year... East Midlands Council of Gurdwaras (EMCG) Present... Mahaan Shaheedi Smagam Wymeswold Airfield, Loughborough Sunday 5th July 2009 Let us come together and pay tribute to all the Mahaan Shaheeds of the Panth starting from Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji who gave Shaheedi in 1606 through to 2 Holocausts of the 1700s and going on to the many thousands of Shaheeds in the 3rd Holocaust 25 years ago in 1984 and the more recent Shaheeds of the Sikh Panth today. The aim of this event is to pay tribute to the countless Matrys of the Sikh Faith who gave there lives to uphold the values of Sikhi, the values of Truth, Justice, Freedom & Righteousness. They gave up their lives but never gave up their Sikhi. Throughout the one day event on Sunday 5th July 2009, we will look into the lives and jeevans of these great Shaheeds and the sacrifices they made for us. From Siri Guru Arjun Dev Ji through to the tragic attacks and genocide 25 years ago in 1984 and the more recent Matyrs against the Choota Sauda sect. It is because of these great sacrifices that we are able to live as Sikhs today. There will also be SikhiToTheMax translation screens, English Talkers, a number of Youth workshops and childrens activities in order to ensure that everyone who attends learns something of some importance. Please help in making this event even bigger and better than before. Let all your friends and family know about this programme and talk to your local Gurdwara about transport. Anybody wishing to donate towards this event can do so at: http://www.emcg.co.uk/mahaan-shaheedi-smagam/donate/ Full details about the event are available on the website at: http://www.emcg.co.uk/mahaan-shaheedi-smagam :D Vaheguru Jee Ka Khalsa, Vaheguru Jee Kee Fateh...

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh Sahib Singh, Gyani Pinderpal Singh did get his Visa to come to England. His passport was subsequently submitted to get Visa to America and was unfortunately not returned in time for the program. Bibi Baljit Kaur Khalsa, informed the organisers the weekend before that they would be unable to attend. Sorry to take so long in answering your question. Also Sangat Jee, a comments section has been set up on the EMCG website, please leave all your comments/ suggestions/ feedback so that the East Midlands Council of Gurdwaras (EMCG) can take these on board for the next event.

Official Photos are now up on the East Midlands Council of Gurdwaras website: www.emcg.co.uk

Largest Sikh Gathering Outside of India to Celebrate 300 years of the Sikh Holy Scriptures An estimated 50,000 people from all over the UK gathered in Prestwold Hall, Loughborough yesterday, to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji – Sikh holy scriptures. Organised by the East Midlands Council of Gurdwara’s, the day will now be known as having the largest gathering of Sikhs in one place outside of India. Free hot food (langar) was served to all attendees throughout the day which represents important tenants in the Sikh faith, these include, serving others, equality and sharing. Amongst the highlights of the event were a 19th Century Sikh Cannon from the Army of Maharjah Ranjit Singh, as well as the world’s smallest Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji which is the size of a wrist watch. Crowds could also see Sikh martial arts demonstrations throughout the day. Mr Sarbjeet Singh Landa a member of the East Midlands Council of Gurdwaras said, “I am overwhelmed at the response for this great event from all around the country which has exceeded all expectations. We even have attendees from Canada, Spain and India”. Manroop Singh from Madrid who came especially to be at the event commented, “this is a once in a lifetime event,' he went on to say “the crowds were just so vast and colourful. Even though I had to wait over 30 minutes in a queue several hundred meters long to pay homage to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, it didn’t matter. It was worth it and I enjoyed soaking in the atmosphere. I will never forget this day!'” The event was also formally acknowledged by Her Majesty the Queen who sent her “warm, good wishes to all concerned for a most memorable and successful day” This will not be the last we hear of this day for its legacy will live on, not only in the hearts and minds of the people of all backgrounds who attended but also in the newly formed National Sikh Heritage and Holocaust Museum based in Derby. This is another first of its kind in Europe.

1 day left :D Don't miss the chance to attend this once in a lifetime event!

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh, There will be lots happening during the day, as well as the ongoing divaan and langar there will also be: 10.30am - 4.30pm: Story Telling (Sakhi's) and Arts & crafts All day: A chance to see a collection of historical Sikh artifacts including Maharaja Ranjit Singhs Cannon (1 of 6 in the world) All day: Opportunity to have darshan of 1 inch Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as commisioned by Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1 of 4 in the world) 4 exciting interactive workshops in English (1 hour each): 11.00am, 12.30pm and 2.00pm: Guru Granth, Guru Panth, Guru Khalsa 11.00am, 2.00pm: Ik Granth, Ik Panth, Ik Maryada 12.30pm: Shabad Guru 3.30pm: Teaching of the Gurus [*]4pm: Gatka Display. There will also be ongoing Gatka workshops from 10.30am till 4pm. [*]All Day: Archery and Shin Kin martial art workshops [*]10.30am - 4.30pm: Army Climbing Frame Please see the website: www.emcg.co.uk for more information. *Original post has been modified.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh, As many of you may already know, a national programme has been arranged in which many Gurdwaras from across England have come together to celebrate the 300th Gurgaddi Divas of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji on a grand scale. Full details can be seen on the website at: www.emcg.co.uk The Program 5.00am - Path Sukhmani Sahib Ji (Sarbat Sangat) 6.30am - Path Panj Bania Nitnem (Sarbat Sangat) 7.30am - Asa Dee Vaar Kirtan (Bhai Sarbjeet Singh Hazoori Ragi Siri Harmandir Sahib Ji) 9.30am - Swagat (Welcome) Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Maharaj will arrive in the diwaan hall) Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji are coming from Leicester with Panj Pyare 9.45am - Ardaas and Bhog Amrit Vela Diwaan 10.00am - Start of Main Programme. Katha, Parcharak, Dhadi and Keerthani Jatha timings to be confirmed 5.00pm - Evening Diwaan, Path Sordar Rehraas Sahib Ji 6.00pm - Final Ardaas and Hukamnama 6.30pm - Maharaj will leave for their Niji Asthaan (Gurdwara Sahib) Loads of things happening on the day including: Kirtan, Dhaddi, Katha Vichaar from world famous Jathas. Sikhi Workshops, Gatka, Shin Kin Displays, Sikh Heritage Exhibition including opportunity to see Maharaj Ranjit Singhs Cannon. Sangat will also be able to have darshan of one of the smallest size Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji's Paviter Saroop. Basically, there will be plenty for all - young and old! Ragi, Kavishar, Parcharak, Dhadi & Katha Vachak Giani Pinderpal Singh Ji - Ludhiana Wale Baba Jaswant Singh Ji - Nanaksar Ludhiana Wala Bhai Sarbjeet Singh Ji - Hazoori Ragi Siri Darbaar Sahib Wale Bhai Niranjan Singh Ji - Jawaddi Kalan Wale Bibi Baljit Kaur - Talvarhe Wale Bhai Lakhvir Singh Masat - Kavishar Jatha Bhai Jawala Singh Patanga - Dhadhi Jat Other Activities And Workshops 10.30am - 4.30pm: Story Telling (Sakhi's) and Arts & crafts All day: A chance to see a collection of historical Sikh artifacts including Maharaja Ranjit Singhs Cannon (1 of 6 in the world) All day: Opportunity to have darshan of 1 inch Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as commisioned by Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1 of 4 in the world) 4 exciting interactive workshops in English (1 hour each): 11.00am, 12.30pm: Guru Granth, Guru Panth, Guru Khalsa 11.00am, 2.00pm: Ik Granth, Ik Panth, Ik Maryada 12.30pm: Shabad Guru 3.30pm: Teaching of the Gurus [*]4pm: Gatka Display. There will also be ongoing Gatka workshops from 10.30am till 4pm. [*]All Day: Archery and Shin Kin martial art workshops [*]10.30am - 4.30pm: Army Climbing Frame The Venue With Satkar of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the highest priority, many venues were looked at and an ideal venue was found: Wymeswold Airfield at Prestwold Hall, Loughborough, LE12 5SQ. Wymeswold Airfield is an 3 runway ex-RAF Airfield and is now used for farming and track days. The Airfield is centrally located just off Junction 24 of the M1 and has more than enough space to accomodate the Sangat & Transport. The event will be signposted all the way from M1 Junction 24 on the day. Look out for signs like the one shown here: Finances A full list of donations/ expenditure are listed on the website at: http://www.emcg.co.uk/finances/ Donations Please show your support by donating online at: http://www.emcg.co.uk/donations/ Coaches have been arranged from across the UK so contact your local Gurdwara for details or see: http://www.emcg.co.uk/contacts/. Please let all your friends and family know and see you there! Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh,