An 'ardas' for peace: War always harms humanity, says Akal Takht's Giani Gargaj

In view of the tension at the India-Pakistan border as a fallout of the Pahalgam terror attack, a special ‘ardas’  of ‘sarbat da bhalla’ (Sikh prayer) was offered today for peace and harmony, at the sacred Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Sri Anandpur Sahib, the holy place of the tenth Sikh Guru (master) Sri Guru Gobind Singh.

Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, the officiating Jathedar of Akal Takht and Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, offered the ‘ardas’ before Guru Granth Sahib for peace to prevail in South Asia and to thwart the growing threats of war. The ‘ardas’ implored Guru Sahib to shower grace upon humanity and all living beings across the world, ensuring their protection and well-being. “It made an appeal for mutual love, unity and peace in the South Asian region,” he said. Giani Gargaj said the governments of both nations should make sincere efforts to restore peace.

“War always harms humanity severely, often resulting in the deaths of many innocent people.  Therefore, every possible effort must be made to resolve the current situation peacefully, ” he said. The Jathedar also pointed out that since 1947, both countries had suffered immense losses due to ongoing hostilities—particularly the Hindu and Sikh communities in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir.

Before the ‘ardas’, Gurbani was recited in front of  Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib. Those who attended the prayers included SGPC executive committee member Dr Daljit Singh Bhinder, Head Granthi of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Giani Joginder Singh, Panj Piaras, manager Malkit Singh, additional manager Hardev Singh, along with the entire staff and the Sangat.