Janamashtami Celebrations

When I met Sant Kirpal Singh ji Maharaj

1894-1974

One of the most remarkable days, in 1969 or 1970, came when Massar Ji, always dressed in his stylish, fashionable clothes, hosted Sant Kirpal Singh ji in his house at 6/2 Shankar Road, Rajinder Nagar.

Masar Amir Chand Butta and Massi Lachhami Devi- a glamorous couple in Karachi in 1940

Massar ji made it sure and reminded me more than once that I must reach his home well before the scheduled time of arrival of Maharaj ji. He was overjoyed to see me reaching well ahead of time.We spread a large tent and placed a grand chair right in the middle of the road. I can still see Massar Ji’s excitement as he led me forward to meet Maharaj Ji. My turban caught his attention, and I felt a surge of pride as I shared a few words about how closely I was connected.

Dashing Masar ji on Shivpreet Sangeet/Mehndi ceremony in Malviya Nagar New Delhi in Dec 1999. My cousin Prema Wadhwa and her husband Harbans Lal Wadhwa are also seen.

It remains one of the proudest and most blessed moments of my life — to stand in the presence of Maharaj Ji, to meet him so closely, and to have the honor of touching his feet.

“ਮਹਾਰਾਜ ਦੇ ਦਰਸ਼ਨ ਮਿਲੇ, ਧਰਤੀ ਹੋਈ ਧੰਨ,

ਪੈਰ ਛੂਹ ਕੇ ਲੀਤੀ ਦਾਤ, ਉਮਰ ਹੋਈ ਰੰਗ-ਰੰਗ।”

(Maharaj’s darshan made the earth blessed,

By touching his feet, my life was filled with colors of grace.)

Send off Kirtan for Gobind

Moving To Boston

Gobind Singh offers a proud pose

This was a very special occasion for our family—a send-off Kirtan for our dear Gobind Kapoor, as he prepares to leave the Bay Area for Boston to begin his very first full-time job.

Gobind in a Restaurant in Harvard Square on June 22, 2024.

Last year, he had an internship at this company, and they were so impressed with him that they not only offered him a top permanent position for a newly entrant but also included in the offer a remarkable benefit: they will cover expenses for his future Master’s program at Georgia Tech.

San Francisco - Boston. We and Gobind will be on either side of the Coast.

Though Boston is far, across the country from the family and friends with whom he grew up in San Ramon, we know it is the right step for him to build his career, become independent, and carry his values with him wherever he goes.

Sehaj path of Sri Guru Granth Sahib

Our Prayer room ready

Harvinder and I had decided that in gratitude to the Almighty, we would begin the continuous reading Sehaj Path of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and complete it before Gobind’s birthday and his departure. By Waheguru’s grace, the reading was completed lovingly and with devotion.

Shilpy, Jania and Geet in Harminder Sahib Amritsar on Aug 4,2025

One special blessing came when Shilpy and girls Jania and Geet were in Amritsar visiting Sri Harmandar Sahib. By chance, Shilpy Mamajis, the Kandharis (S. Jaspal Kandhari and family)—had arranged an Akhand Path inside the Sanctum Sanctorum. At that very sacred spot, where Guru Ram Das Ji himself studied and recited Gurbani, Shilpy participated in the reading through her phone right on that spot. It felt as though our humble path had merged into that eternal vibration. Truly, it was Waheguru’s special gift to us.

Shilpy disbursing the Parsd.

Gobind’s turn to wave the Chour Sahib.

We keep the double door open when the whole family sits around. The dog Bhaalu gets excited and joins in.

Shiv and Jania listen to the Guru Hukam through me.

The completion of the Ninth Mahalla Shlokas was made even more memorable as Shiv himself participated in the recitation. Our entire family came together in service—Shilpy prepared Prasad and Bhog, Gobind did Ardas with great fluency and devotion, Jania and Geet respectfully waved the Chaur Sahib, and even our beloved dog, Bhaalu, seemed part of this spiritual atmosphere!

Here is the Hukamnama — order of the Guru today:

Gurus Hukamnama is placed above along with English translations for all to benefit. How appropriate for Gobind and his family.

For me, it was a humble duty to read the Hukamnama, which arrived as divine guidance for all in the family.

Shukrana Kirtan and Langar

Langar cooking Sewa by Shilpy, Jania and Geet.

Shiv and me peeling off carrots meant for Salad.

On the final Sunday, we had invited friends and family to Hayward Gurdwara Sahib for the concluding Kirtan. Initially, many had said they might not make it due to prior commitments, but by Guru’s grace, the Gurdwara hall was overflowing, filled with Sangat beyond our expectations.

Full view of Sangat.

The atmosphere was charged with love and blessings. The Langar was arranged with great care, even with an on-site tandoor for fresh hot naans, which everyone enjoyed. After the Kirtan and Bhog, we all gathered in the adjoining hall to share food and fellowship.

Dressed up Family photo in Gurdwara Sahib

Newly weds Jason and Sharini with Harvinder

Waiting for the Langar.

Accompanied by my sister Ambu Bhenji, discussing my village Badbar School project with dear Rajpal ji.

Gobind siting in a ‘Pangat’ for Langar with his friend Jaskinder and his friendly Taran Chachu.

My cousin and Harvinder aunty Mrs Satwant Khanna though 90, came all the way to bless Gobind. Ambu Bhenji and Baggi Veer join her.

Gobind gets blessings from uncle Hardeep Gulati and is seen here with Geet and cousins Sahib and Heer.

The warmth of the sangat, the blessings of Guru Sahib, and the prayers of all our family and friends surrounded Gobind as he prepared for this new chapter in life.

Unwinding with Pizza dinner at home.

Family Blessings on Gobind

Yet, as the evening came to a close, I felt a deep sadness too—realizing that now our dear Gobind was truly on the brink of leaving this home, stepping out into the world on his own.

A day before his departure, Gobind came to my room and asked with a smile, “Dadaji, will you be crying when I leave home?” It has always been my lighthearted joke with my grandchildren that when they leave, I cry. But this time, I surprised him—and myself. I am not crying. Instead, I feel strong and proud.

Brave and ready for any battle or war.

I see in him a warrior ready to face the world—fully trained, educated, and enriched with our family’s love and memories—to fight the challenges ahead with courage.

Reaching to the lotus feet of Baba ji

I have also taught him where true strength lies: to go directly to Babaji, through Ardaas. This time, his Ardaas was not only fluent but also flawless and confident—so much so that now he can lead it in public. I reminded him never to depend on any person for answers—only on God, Babaji. May he always remember this path.

Blessing the kiddos

With Waheguru’s grace, may Gobind, Jania and Geet remain in Chardi Kala, may Babaji always be with them, guiding them. May Gobind take care of his health, of his family, of his younger siblings and his loving parents—and may he also remember his old grandparents with love.

29th July as seen in memories.

Preet Mohan Singh Kapoor feeling Cool and Cslm.

Ecstatic feeling with first yo-yo  in the New Swing at Sherwood.

Today is the 29th of July 2025, my 81st birthday. Over the past few weeks, I took some time to look back and gather pictures from my birthday celebrations over the last 15 years. I’ve shared those precious memories below.

Beautiful family pic in the rolling hills of Napa Ca on the occasion of my niece Jasleen and Hardeep Gulati  25th Anniversary Party.

Going through them was deeply satisfying. Year after year, I’ve been surrounded by my loved and cherished wife Harvinder, my adorable son & daughter-in-law Shivpreet Shilpy, and my beloved grandkids Gobind, Jania and Geet. Their presence, love, and warmth have been the biggest gift of all. What touched me most was seeing the beautiful journey of my grandchildren growing from little kids into young adolescents, full of life and promise.

Beautiful Bonded Collage

This collection is not just a set of photos, it’s a reflection of the love, unity, and togetherness we’ve shared as a family. I feel immensely grateful.