December - Secret Santas, Christmas ..... and the sacrifice of the Sahibzadey

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I've seen on many social network sites that people are shopping for presents and/or secret santa. I've also seen on many 'Sikh Society' pages encouraging Secret Santas.

Firstly, I'm not a keen believer in Secret Santa (at least not as a Sikh). Why doesn't everyone donate their £5 share (or whatever the limit is) into a pot then the society/group sponsors a dog to become a guide dog - or sponsor a child for a year? Even better give to Khalsa Aid or a charity helping those in the Philippines get back on their feet.

This way, something good comes out of the Secret Santa rather than self indulgement.

Secondly, in December we (as Sikhs) remember the sacrifice of the Sahibzadey.

The four Sahibzadey, Baba Ajit Singh, Baba Jujhar Singh, Baba Zorawar Singh, Baba Fateh Singh, were sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and gave up their lives at the ages of 17, 15, 9 and 7 for justice and truth.

21st December

Baba Ajit Singh and Baba Jujhar Singh were educated and trained as saint-soldiers. They both traveled with Guru Gobind Singh Ji to the city of Chamkaur where the forty Sikhs were attacked by thousands of Mughal forces. In the battle that followed, both Baba Ajit Singh and Baba Jujhar Singh died bravely on the battlefield.

(Picture is a painters impression not a photo)

26 December 

Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh were captured along with their Grandmother, Mata Gujri Ji in the city of Sirhind. They were imprisoned overnight in an open tower with no food or water. In the following days, the younger Sahibzadey were taken to the governor of Sirhind, Wazir Khan, and he offered them their lives, freedom and wealth if they converted to Islam. The Sahibzadey refused and were bricked alive.

(Picture is a painters impression not a photo)

Mata Gujri Ji was left locked in the open tower where she was martyred.


So this time of year for Sikhs is a time of remembrance. We remember that standing up for truth, justice and freedom is more important than our lives. We remember that our young brothers, our grandmother and many other Sikhs gave up their lives so that we can be here today. They did not falter when challenged and did not lose their faith.

As a Sikh we believe that the whole human race is our family - so if we are to give presents, why are we choosing who to give presents to and more importantly, why not give presents to those who are not as well off as we are. Why are we forgetting our own history and planning Christmas parties, big dinners and shopping.

The money we would usually spend on presents, this year lets instead give this money to a charity or someone in need. Or even better, lets use that money and put on a dinner/event for the senior citizens in your area or the homeless. Lets go out and help those who need the help and need someone to spend their time and money on them.