Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov 30: In a landmark moment for the Sikh community, Mumbai witnessed an unprecedented spiritual gathering as 350 children came together to recite and perform Salok Mahalla 9 in unison during the 350th Shahidi Samagam observances. Organisers confirmed that such a large-scale collective recitation has never been recorded anywhere in India or across the world.

Salok Mahalla 9, composed by Guru Tegh Bahadur during his imprisonment in Delhi before his martyrdom in 1675, reflects on the fleeting nature of worldly attachments and emphasises the remembrance of the Divine as the path to peace and liberation.

“This 350-child recitation was a historic achievement for Mumbai and a proud moment for Sikhs globally. No similar gathering has taken place during the 350th Shahidi observances,” said Bal Malkit Singh, convenor of the Maharashtra Sikh Association and executive chairman of the Maharashtra State Punjabi Sahitya Academy.

He added, “Guru Sahib’s legacy must reach our younger generations and every Indian household. This Gurmat Samagam is a major step toward that goal.”

A Defining Moment in Mumbai’s Sikh History

The concluding day of the three-day Gurmat Samagam, organised jointly by the Maharashtra Sikh Association, Guru Nanak Vidyak Sanstha (GNVS), Gurdwara Guru Tegh Bahadur Darbar Raoli Camp, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Sewak Jatha Trust, and the Supreme Council of Navi Mumbai Gurdwaras, marked a spiritual milestone for the city.

The mass recitation became the highlight of the Samagam, energising the Sangat and creating a memorable chapter in Mumbai’s Sikh heritage.

The event honoured the 350th Shahidi Shatabdi of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, revered globally for his unparalleled sacrifice in defending human rights, religious freedom and the dignity of all faiths.

Spirituality, Devotion and Community United

The Samagam featured Gurbani Kirtan by renowned Raagi Jathas, inspiring discourses by respected Katha Vachaks and Parcharaks, youth-led presentations and the historic children’s recitation of Salok Mahalla 9.

Nearly 20,000 devotees from Mumbai and the wider MMR region took part in the gathering, seeking blessings and reflecting on Guru Sahib’s teachings of courage, compassion, righteousness and justice.

One of the largest Gurmat Samagams ever held in Mumbai, the event set a new benchmark for collective devotion, community spirit and cultural preservation.

“The overwhelming participation shows how deeply Guru Sahib’s message continues to resonate,” Singh said, expressing gratitude to all Sewak Jathas, Gurdwara committees, volunteers and members of the Sangat for their contribution to the success of the event.