Nadda visits Namdhari Dera in Sirsa, praises community’s legacy

Union Cabinet Minister JP Nadda visited the Namdhari Dera Mastangarh in Mastangarh village of Rania in Sirsa district on Friday, where he sought blessings from the sect’s spiritual head and praised the community’s rich legacy of social reform and patriotism.

The visit coincided with the annual Hola Mohalla celebrations and drew a large gathering of devotees and dignitaries. Among those present were Haryana Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana and Mohan Lal Badoli, president of the Haryana unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Addressing the gathering, Nadda described the Namdhari traditions as “a remarkable blend of spirituality, social service, and national pride.”

“It is a matter of great fortune to be here on this sacred occasion,” he said, adding that Guru Gobind Singh had established Hola Mohalla as a festival symbolising courage, discipline and spiritual consciousness rather than merely a celebration of colours.

Nadda also highlighted the Namdhari community’s role in promoting education, cow protection, de-addiction campaigns and disaster relief efforts. Referring to the Centre’s decision to commemorate Veer Bal Diwas every year, he said it was meant to honour the bravery of Sikh children and preserve their legacy. He urged people to promote unity, harmony and spiritual values.

During the event, sect head Uday Singh spoke about the Namdhari faith’s emphasis on equality and women’s empowerment. He recalled the teachings of Satguru Ram Singh, who campaigned against social evils, supported widow remarriage and advocated equal religious rights for women.

“Gurus and saints belong to the entire world, not just one community,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Rana said India’s spiritual philosophy emphasises selfless action and moral living. The festival featured prayers, traditional rituals and community celebrations attended by hundreds of devotees.