8 September 2024
Punjab Regional holiday | Sunday |
Baba Sri Chand Ji Jayanti, the birthday of Sri Chand, is a public holiday in the Indian state of Punjab. The holiday is a time when people remember his life, teachings, and writings. Born in 1494, Sri Chand lived an exceptionally long life. He was the son of the founder of Sikhism, and he himself founded the “Udasis” movement within Sikhism. Many of his writings are now a part of the Matra Sahib, which is the Udasi scriptures. Baba Sri Chand is most well known for his preaching of peaceful coexistence among all religions. Both Muslim and Hindu Indians, besides Sikh, hold him in high respect. Some Hindus even consider him an “incarnation of Shiva”.
On Baba Sri Chand Ji Jayanti, there will be special events held in honour of Baba Sri Chand at which his life will be remembered, his doctrines reaffirmed, and his writings publicly read. Shri Chand Ji played an important role in the establishment of an Udasin Sampraday. The Udasin Sampraday is also an important sect of the Sikhs and saints. Many of his works have been adopted by Sikhs. He always preached humanity. His preachings were primarily based on non-violence. There was always a sense of innocence in his words. He asked everyone to follow love and benevolence.
Baba Shri Chand Ji mainly preached that both happiness and sadness should be weighed equally. One should not get attached to them. One will face problems by getting emotionally attached to everything. Shri Chandra Ji took Samadhi after making Baba Gurditta Ji his successor. Baba Gurditta was the son of the sixth Guru of Sikhs, Shri Har Govind Ji.