Visiting Gurdwaras on 2026 India Trip

A Mission to My Village

My trip to India had a clear and determined purpose. Although my health did not allow me to undertake this strenuous job because of swear back pain but with Waheguru’s grace, I carried on. I had resolved not to leave my ancestral village until the measurement, demarcation, and reclamation of our land were fully completed. Whatever time it took, I was prepared to stay.

SIS GANJ Sahib

After arriving in Delhi on the 6th, we set out for Punjab early the next morning on 7th June at 6:00 a.m. Before beginning this important mission, we felt it was only appropriate to seek the blessings of the Guru. 

We stopped at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, bowed our heads in prayer, and sought strength and guidance for the challenging days ahead. With faith in our hearts and determination in our minds, we then proceeded towards Punjab, ready to face whatever lay before us.

​Pilgrimage During My Mission

We reached our village, Badbar, by the anfternoon and the next day I began my mission of getting our land measured, demarcated, reclaimed and finally getting the actual possession. Since the revenue offices remained closed on Saturdays and Sundays, we decided to devote those days to visiting nearby Gurdwaras and seeking the Guru’s blessings.

Mastuana Sahib

While taking Langar, it’s thrilling to see two brothers even at their late stage sitting together to enjoy their food.

Our first visit was to Gurdwara Mastuana Sahib, an abode of Sant Baba Attar Singh ji is 5 miles from Badbar, a place we including my Mom, Dad and Grandma have been visiting for decades. Sant Baba Attar Singh incidentally is the same highly revered spiritual leader who laid the foundation stone of Banaras Hindu University and also helped to get huge funds from rich Maharajas of Punjab. It holds a special place in our hearts, as we have always offered the first share of our harvest there in gratitude.

Fatehgarh Sahib where Baba Zorawar Sigh and Baba Fateh Singh were bricked

On another weekend, we travelled to Sri Fatehgarh Sahib. Standing at the sacred place where the younger Sahibzadas were bricked alive was a deeply emotional experience. 

We sat quietly for nearly twenty minutes, immersed in the soulful kirtan being sung by the ragis. After partaking of the Guru’s langar, we returned, carrying with us a profound sense of peace despite the scorching summer heat.

Takhat Damdama Sahib

The following Sunday, we travelled to Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Guru Ki Kashi) at Bathinda. This was my second visit. I fondly remembered my earlier trip when Brigadier General Kirat Singh had personally taken me there for darshan. After paying our respects, we enjoyed a pleasant lunch before returning.

Gurdwara Sri Dukhniwaran Sahib

We also visited Gurdwara Sri Dukhniwaran Sahib in Patiala after meeting our dear relatives, Guddu Bhapa Ji & Bhabhi ji and Bholi Bhabhi Ji. Although the weather was intensely hot, the spiritual comfort of the Gurdwara made the journey worthwhile. Beti Bhabhi was kind enough to travel all the way from Chandigarh to meet us in Patiala where Bholi Bhabhi hosted a lavish lunch at her beautiful Banglow. We missed Brij Bhapa.

Gurdwara Moti Bagh, Patiala.

Guddu Bhapa also insisted to visit Gurdwara Moti Bagh  so that his routine of getting blessings at this Gurdwara Sahib before heading for his farms daily does not have a break. He undertakes and participates in the recitation of Path along with Sangat everyday.  Due to constraints in time, he has forgo but Just ‘Matha Teko’ here.

 Chulle Baba Aala Singh, Langowal.

Another memorable visit was to Langowal, where the Raja of Patiala had established a historic Gurdwara. It was fascinating to see the original earthen chulhas (clay stoves) where food was once prepared for the people. Our sincere thanks to Master Avnish Kumar, who graciously guided us around the Gurdwara and shared its rich history

Gurdwara Singh Sabha Badbar

Before concluding our stay in Punjab, we visited the Gurdwaras in our own village of Badbar. It was heartening to see how beautifully maintained they were and how actively the villagers participated in religious life. Their devotion and care for these sacred places filled us with pride.

Bangla Sahib

Finally, before returning to Delhi, we made our customary visit to our most beloved Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. Every visit there is special, but this one was particularly emotional. As we entered, we heard the continuous rendition of “Jo Maange Thakur Apne Te…” sung by our son, Shivpreet Singh. Hearing his voice resonate through the sacred precincts of Bangla Sahib filled our hearts with gratitude and emotion. It was a deeply nostalgic moment and a fitting conclusion to our journey.

Jo Maange Thakur….being played in the  Elevator.

With our final prayers at Bangla Sahib, we offered our thanks to Guru Nanak Sahib for guiding us throughout this challenging yet fulfilling trip. It was the perfect spiritual conclusion to a mission that had begun with determination and ended with gratitude.

My First sip of Alcohal

When I started my first job in Delhi in 1965, I was very close to my cousin, Joginder, whom everyone fondly called Goga. We often rode our bicycles together, exploring different parts of the city.

With my Dad on my wedding day Sep 9, 1972

One hot summer afternoon, while cycling near Lodhi Gardens, Goga suggested that we stop at Khan Market and buy a bottle of chilled beer for Rs 5/- considered a modest luxury when my salary was Rs 240/- per month. Seeing my hesitation, he reassured me, saying, “It’s only barley water, not really alcohol. Nothing will happen to you.”

Curious, I agreed. We sat in the park, and I took my very first sip. To my surprise, it was not pleasant at all. I had expected something refreshing and tasty, but it was bitter and slightly sour. After a couple of sips, however, the cold drink did leave me feeling relaxed and refreshed in the summer heat. We finished our bottles and rode home.

That weekend, I returned to Panipat, where my parents lived. I honestly told my father about my first experience with beer, repeating what Goga had told me, that it was only “barley water” and not really alcohol.

My father’s response changed my life.

He did not scold me or become upset. Calmly, he said, “Yes, beer may seem harmless. But this is how the habit begins. My fear is not the beer itself; it is the addiction that can follow. Once a person becomes addicted, it can ruin his life.”

His words struck me deeply.

From that day onward, I made a firm decision not to drink beer or any alcoholic beverage. At countless gatherings and parties over the years, friends and relatives tried to persuade me otherwise. They teased me, questioned my decision, and often insisted that “just one drink” would do no harm. Instead, my friends would eventually order me apple juice while they enjoyed their drinks.

I never changed my mind.

Looking back, I remain deeply grateful to my father. His quiet advice, given without anger or pressure, kept me away not only from alcohol but from every form of addiction. It is one of the most valuable lessons he ever gave me, and I have carried it throughout my life with gratitude.