Maryland Governor’s Office Joins Sikh Community for Nanakshahi New Year and 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji
Babushahi Network
Maryland/Virginia, March 23, 2026: A historic three-day annual Basant Kirtan Darbar recently concluded across Maryland and Virginia, drawing large gatherings of the Sikh community to commemorate the 350th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji and the Nanakshahi New Year 558. The spiritual event, organized by the Guru Ram Das Foundation in association with the Sri Harmandir Sahib Academy, served as a major initiative to honor the legacy of the ninth Sikh Guru.
Bhai Sawinder Singh emphasized that the primary goal of the Darbar was to provide a platform for the community to reflect on the Guru’s teachings through the divine medium of Gurbani Kirtan. His leadership ensured that the program was not only a commemorative event but a powerful moment of connection for Sikh families and faith leaders across the region.
The opening day of the program, held at the Sikh Association of Baltimore in Randallstown, was marked by the presence of high-level representatives from the Maryland Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives (GOCI). Dr. Lora Hargrove attended alongside several GOCI commission members, joining the congregation for an evening of reflection and Kirtan.
The GOCI plays a critical role in the state, connecting Marylanders to economic and volunteer services and facilitating community engagement within the executive branch. Their participation on the first day highlighted the state’s commitment to its diverse faith communities and recognized the universal significance of the Guru’s sacrifice for human rights and religious freedom.
The three-day Darbar featured an extraordinary lineup of world-renowned Ragis, whose soulful renditions of Gurbani moved the hearts of those in attendance. The Kirtan Jathas included Bhai Sawinder Singh, Bhai Harpreet Singh, and Bhai Siripal Singh, all Hazoori Ragis of Sri Darbar Sahib. Other notable participants included Bhai Karanjeet Singh from the United Kingdom, Bibi Guneet Kaur from Denver, Colorado, Professor Baljeet Singh from Los Angeles, California, and Dr. Gagandeep Singh from Sacramento, California.
The program was hosted across three major Gurdwaras to ensure accessibility for the regional Sikh community. The journey began on the first day at the Sikh Association of Baltimore in Randallstown, Maryland. The second day was held at Gurdwara Gurshabad Parkash (Sikh Learning Center) in Glen Burnie, Maryland, and the third day concluded at Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Fairfax, Virginia.
The organizers extended their heartfelt gratitude to the management of all three Gurdwaras and the state officials for their support in making this commemorative initiative a resounding success. This program served as a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of faith and the importance of community connection across state lines.
Picture: GOCI representative Dr. Lora Hargrove & other commission members presented with commemorative plaque at the Gurdwara Sahib in Baltimore.