Gender bender: Women Panj Pyara at Sadar Gurdwara

LUCKNOW: For the first time, women will form the most sacred group of Sikh community, the ‘Panj Pyara’ at Sadar Gurudwara. Panj Pyara are the five highest seers who conduct baptism rite to initiate people into Khalsahood and escort the famous Nagar Keertan Procession. Inspired by the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib and Shabad gurbani (religious literature), the move is to bring the teachings to practice and give woman an equal status to men.

Harpal Singh, the president of Sadar Gurudwara said, “Guru Granth Sahib begins with the message that women are equal to men and with motherhood, they rise a notch above. We have been reading this all our lives and now this step is towards giving them equal status.”

The initiative is being welcomed by all gurudwaras of the city. “I think this practice will soon extend to other gurudwaras too,” said Gyani Devendra Singh, head priest of Naka gurudwara.

Rajendra Singh Baggha, president of Lucknow Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee said, “Khalsa nullifies difference between man and woman, so having female Panj Pyara is a great initiative.”

Ravinder Kaur, one among the five women chosen said the opportunity is a blessing. The 47-year-old took up Khalsa discipline after her husband died few years back. “I just overheard a conversation and volunteered and fortunately I was selected to be part of the Panj Pyara. I believe the Almighty chose me.”

Who were Panj Pyare

Panj Pyare were the first five men who volunteered in support of Guru Gobind Singh to fight to protect the religion in 1699. Ever since, the sacred group of five is considered an important part of Sikh faith. Those chosen to be a part of it have to be Amritdhari Khalsa and strictly abide by the dos and don’ts of Khalsahood.