Sikh religious Jorh-Melas once carried a deep spiritual and religious fervor. The recitation of Gurbani, Kirtan, the narration of Sikh history through Dhadi, Kavishari, Katha, and Kavi Darbars, along with Sewa and meaningful discussions among Sikh jathas on vital issues, formed the core of these sacred gatherings.
Over time, however, many Jorh-Melas began drifting away from Sikh traditions. Several started resembling ordinary fairs, with increasing emphasis on worldly distractions such as loud sound systems, show-off activities like stereo decks mounted on tractors, commercial shopping, and other non-Gurmat practices.
About four years ago, some Sikh jathas — including Sikh Jatha Malwa — observed these deviations during the Mastuana Sahib Jorh Mela. Recognizing the seriousness of the issue, they resolved to make sustained efforts to revive the authentic Sikh spirit of this Jorh-Mela, which is held in the sacred memory of Sant Attar Singh Ji Mastuana.
Over the following years, these jathas undertook a series of coordinated steps. They engaged in dialogue and cooperation with Langar committees, Jorh-Mela organizers, nearby village Panchayats, Gurdwara management committees, other Sikh jathas, and the wider Sikh sangat. Through continuous discussions, consensus-building, and strict implementation of agreed-upon decisions, they worked steadily toward restoring Sikh traditions.
These collective efforts yielded highly encouraging results. Deviatory activities were completely barred from the Jorh-Mela, and Gurmat-based programs once again took center stage, restoring the spiritual dignity of the gathering.
Journalist Mandeep Singh held a special discussion with S. Jaswant Singh Khaira (Akaal College Council), Bhai Malkeet Singh Bhawanigarh (Sikh Jatha Malwa), Bhai Harjinder Singh Majhi (Darbar-e-Khalsa), and Advocate Jagjit Singh to understand their experiences and insights in revitalizing Sikh traditions at the Mastuana Sahib Jorh Mela.
This is a must-watch discussion for organizers of Sikh religious events and for the Sikh sangat at large.
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