Chhabil, meaning chhabil is a refreshing drink or energy drink that the Sikh community has been offering to the public since centuries to pay their respect to the fifth Guru Guru Arjan Dev Ji. The Sikhs were taught to accept God’s will as blessings and sweets by Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
Chhabil, not only provides relief from the scorching sun and heat but also has a deep meaning its spreads the message of eternal optimism.
Arjun Dev Ji was a great philosopher and a great thinker. We all celebrate his martyrdom day by putting up community food – langar and chhabil for local people. We remember him for his sacrifice for the community and the religion. This time we celebrated Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s Shahidi Gurpurab by making some khichdi and chhabil drinks made in milk, sugar, ice and roohafzah. The contribution came from all over Sunshine Helios and all other societies as well. We celebrated it on 19 May which was followed by Shani Jayanti as well. It was no doubt an auspicious day as Shani Jayanti coincided with Gurupurab. And hence we decided to distribute khichri along with the refreshing drink. We started this with some Mool Mantra of Ek Omkar Satnam and Gayatri Mantra. It was a wonderful and successful Bhandara and everyone went back home blessed after having Prasad. This endeavour would not have been possible without the help of our Sunshine management and friends like Veena, Deepa, Vandana, Sapna, Karuna Bhalla, Nagrath Ma’am, Meenu and Deepa. Big thanks to Gupta ji for his timely help and sewa.
by Shubkiran Bedi (D 1901, Sunshine Helios)
