By Sameep Singh Gumtala
CINCINNATI, USA: The Guru Nanak Society of Greater Cincinnati Gurdwara Sahib, located in the state of Ohio, USA, held its 23rd Annual three-day Kirtan Samagam with great devotion. This year's, the Samagam was dedicated to the 350th Shaheedi Purab (Martyrdom day) of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, the Ninth Sikh Guru, and the sacrifice Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Dyala Ji, and Bhai Sati Das Ji.
As always, Sikh families traveled from far-away places including Toronto, Michigan, and other parts of the US and Canada, attend the program, enjoy the Kirtan, and be part of the Sangat. The local Sangat from Cincinnati and Dayton also looks forward to this event every year.
Keeping the Shaheedi Purab in focus, the Kirtan singers sang the Bani of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, with a particular emphasis on “Salok Mahala 9.” Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji's Bani includes 59 Shabads and 57 Saloks, written in 15 different Raags in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
During all three days, the Sangat stayed deeply involved in listening to Kirtan and Naam. Even after many hours, no one felt tired or wanted to leave. The Sewa of preparing and serving Guru Ka Langar continued throughout the event.