Nanded (Hazur Sahib), October 27
One of the attractions during the tercentenary celebrations of Gurta Gaddi Diwas at Nanded has been the stable where the offspring of Dilbagh, the famous horse of Guru Gobind Singh, have been kept.

Hundreds of devotees visit the stable every day. Many of them are seen bowing their heads before these horses. They make offerings in the golak (money box) at the stable.

Guru Gobind Singh had also been famous for his blue horse, by which he used to be known as “Neele Ghorey Wale”.

There is a unique tradition of giving “Gaddi” (installation) of the offspring of Guru’s horse. At present, the Gaddi is held by Anmol, whose predecessor Pawan has grown old. There are at least three more horses in line for the Gaddi, including Gorkha and Hans. The ardas is performed at the Takht before the installation ceremony of these horses.

Interestingly, the Takht continues to get the offerings of horses from the devotees. These are also kept at this stable. In all, there are 46 horses, mostly donated by Sikhs from Punjab.

A family of non-Sikhs has been taking care of the stable for the past many generations. Sandeep, a youth, told The Tribune that he and his father Madhaw perform duties at the stable in shifts round the clock. He said earlier Pundlik and Jalvaji, his grandfather and great-grandfather used to take care of the stable.

An employee of the Sachkhand Hazur Sahib Management, S.N. Singh said while he could be transferred from the stable, Sadeep and his father would serve the offspring of Guru’s horse till their death.

These horses, bedecked in traditional style, form part of processions on Diwali, Holi, Dussehra, Baisakhi and Gurpurbs.

The sixth Sikh master, Guru Hargobind, had instructed his followers to make offerings of arms and horses during the turbulent times. The Sikh sangat used to offer horses at Akal Takht. However, the tradition had been discontinued with the return of peace. However, Hazur Sahib is continuing with the tradition.

tribuneindia.com