NEWS RELEASE: Sikh Youth of BC Announce Memorial Events for 2006

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 9, 2006
Sikh Youth of BC Announce Memorial Events for 2006
Three “Akhand Jaap” Meditations to Take Place Throughout the Year

SURREY, BC - In anticipation of the special anniversaries of significant dates in Sikh history approaching in the year 2006, the Sikh youth of British Columbia announced today the dates for special memorial events to be conducted throughout the year. In light of the success of the “Akhand Jaap” events, which were introduced in BC in November, 2004, the Sikh youth have decided to conduct this year’s memorials in the Akhand Jaap format as well.

An Akhand Jaap event is typically 8 to 24 hours long, consisting of continuous meditation using instruments and chanting of the Sikh mantra “Waheguru” (translation: the enlightener God is wonderous) in a congregation. Akhand Jaap literally means “undisturbed continuous meditation.” Many Sikh youth from across the province work together to prepare for the Akhand Jaap, and the open kitchen, called langar, serves food to the congregation throughout the day.

The special program, which also took place in February, June and November of 2005, has served as a means to unite the various groups, gurdwaras, and organizations representing the Sikh community in BC, as well as introduce non-Sikhs to the traditions of the Sikh faith. Akhand Jaaps are open to all and generally have an atmosphere of community cooperation, devotion, and peace.

The AkhandJaap of November, 2005, which was in dedication to the victims of the 1984 Anti-Sikh riots in Delhi, was extremely successful with attendance of devotees from all across the Lower Mainland, as well as Seattle (WA), Victoria, Nanaimo, and Calgary (AB). This year the Sikh youth of BC hope to build on previous successes and bring together people from across BC and neighbouring communities for an enlightening experience of inspiration, motivation and meditation.

The 2006 Akhand Jaaps are scheduled as follows:

* Sunday, February 19, 2006
In commemoration and honour of the 85th Anniversary of “Saka Nankana,” the Massacre of Sikhs at Nankana Sahib, Punjab, which took place on February 20, 1921.

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* Saturday, June 17th, 2006
In commemoration and honour of the 400th Martyrdom Anniversary (”Shaheedi Divas”) of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji, the 5th Sikh Enlightener, and the 400th Anniversary of the Ascension to the Throne of the Guru (”Gurgadhi Divas”) of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the 6th Sikh Enlightener. Both events took place in June of 1606.

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* UPDATE: Saturday, October 14, 2006
In commemoration and honour of the 500th Birth Anniversary of Baba Buddha Ji, the first head-granthi at Sri Harimandir Sahib and an amazing personality of Sikh history, who was born on October 6, 1506.

UPDATE: The last Akhand Jaap of 2006 will be on October 14, 2006 at Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar, on Wood Street in Queensborough, New Westminster.