Hundreds of people were on the lawns of Bhaini Sahib on Sunday to attend the bhog ceremony of Satguru Jagjit Singh, spiritual leader of Namdhari Sikhs, who had passed away on December 12.
Clad in all white and cream, the sect's assembly included people from various states and
even foreign shores such as Singapore, Thailand, the US, and the UK. The formal "dastarbandi" (turban tying) of Thakur Udai Singh, younger nephew of Satguru Jagjit Singh who was declared his successor on December 13, followed the ceremony.
Politicians from all major regional and national parties mourned the death of the spiritual leader. Chief minister Parkash Singh Badal, union railway minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Managing Committee (DSGMC) chief Paramjit Singh Sarna, People's Party of Punjab president Manpreet Singh Badal, Congress leader Jagmeet Brar, former Haryana chief minister Om Prakash Chautala, and Balwant Singh Ramoowalia of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) were present.
The Punjab CM stated that Satguru's death had created a void in society. "His contribution to academics, music, sport, and social campaigns against dowry and female foeticide is unsurpassable," said Badal. "I may have at some point of time ignored some of their requests but the welfare of Namdharis has been my priority always, and I can never say no to their representatives."
Religious leaders from the DSGMC; Anadpur Sahib; Hazur Sahib; Baru Sahib; Radha Soami Satsang; and Nirmal Kutia, Haridwar; and environmental activist Balbir Singh Seechewal had sent "dastars" to Thakur Udai Singh.