It’s engraved in his spirit, Avtar Gidda says.
Just as children in North America grow up learning about Christmas, Gidda grew up listening to stories about the fifth Guru, Guru Arjun Dev Ji.
“It’s in my heart, it’s in my body,” he said. “It’s a story about respect. We want to practice it in the world.”
On Saturday (June 28), from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Squamish Sikh community will celebrate the anniversary of the martyrdom of the fifth Guru. In 1606, Guru Arjun Dev Ji was tortured and executed when he refused to renounce his religion. Despite being boiled and forced to sit on a hot cauldron, Guru Arjun Dev Ji spoke of peace, Gidda said. He rebuffed the use of violence against violence, he noted.
“He gave his sacrifice for humanity,” Gidda said. “He spoke of freedom of speech, religion and a world without castes.”
Guru Arjun Dev Ji’s death marked the first martyrdom among the Sikhs. Also called the Light of All Lights, Guru Arjun Dev Ji is said to have enlightened the whole world and enveloped humans with his powerful rays of synthesis, harmony, love and amity.
To celebrate his teachings, the community comes together to share food and pass on the story, Gidda said. At approximately 10:30 a.m. a parade will set out from the Sikh Temple at 37947 Fifth Ave., travelling downtown to the O’Siyam Pavilion. At the park, food will be shared. Information booths about the Guru and the religion will be set up. The event is expected to draw Squamish’s MLA Jordan Sturdy and MP John Weston.
More than 500 families belong to the Sikh temple in Squamish, Gidda said.
“We are growing,” he said of the community.
Gidda hopes all Squamish residents will join the celebration.
“I am expecting and requesting everyone to come,” he said.
