sikhpride

Peshawar is a very important city of the present day Pakistan. It has a deep association with the Sikh history. In fact it is mainly because of Sikhs that now it is in Pakistan and not in Afghanistan. The Sikhs had won it during their battles with the Afghans and since then it remained a part of Khalsa Raj and later on the British Raj and after partition a city of Pakistan. Most of the Sikh heritage sites located in Pakistan lie in Khyabar Pakhtunkhwa area. The ancient monuments, Gurdwaras, forts and havelis located in this area, all remind of the golden chapter of Sikh history. Though the Sikh population is very small in Pakistan, even then this is one of the places where Sikhs have a notable number. There is one important Gurdwara known as Gurdwara Bhai Joga Singh which is visited not only by the Kabuli Sikhs, now inhabitants of this town, but also the tourists, researchers and devotee Sikhs from different parts of the world. This Gurdwara is named after Bhai Joga, s/o Bhai Gurmukh Singh of Peshawar who was converted to Sikhism by tasting Amrit from Kalghidhar Patshah, who took him as his godson and always kept him in his presence. At the request of Bhai Gurmukh Guru ji allowed him to go to Peshawar for his marriage, but, to test his devotion, sent a disciple to follow him. Guru Ji gave him a proclamation which was to be delivered to Joga after “Lawan” (Sikh rite of marriage). The note’ said: “Once you see this note, proceed to Anand Pur at once”. The courier did accordingly and delivered the note while he was performing Lawan. Bhai Joga Singh left his lawan ceremony and immediately rushed to meet his Guru. This Gurdwara originally existed in small building, but, a new building was constructed during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The present building after certain renovations, the Gurdwara was reopened for the Sikhs in 2001 after remaining closed for many years. It is a beautiful three storeyed building situated in Jogan Shah locality of Namakmandi of Peshawar City where Sangat of Peshawar is held in the morning and evening and Parkash of Guru Granth Sahib takes place.