In Sikh history, every day is associated with some event or memory. Apart from the Gurpurabs of the Guru Sahibs, important and special events connected to their lives are remembered by the Sikh community with great love and enthusiasm. Passing through these memories, the Sikh congregation immerses itself in the Guru’s love and reverence. This deepens and strengthens the colour of Sikhi in their way of life. According to history, in the month of Chet, 1664 CE, when the eighth Guru, Sri Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji, was about to merge into the Eternal Light in Delhi, the Sikhs humbly asked, “Maharaj, please tell us who shall guide us after you?” The Guru asked for five coins and a coconut. The young Guru circled the items three times with his hand, bowed his head, and said, “Baba Bakale.” This was a clear indication towards his Baba, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. This was the first time in Sikh history that the next successor to the Guruship was not physically present when the current Guru merged into the Eternal Light. At that time, a Sikh of the Guru’s house, Bhai Makhan Shah Lubana, a wealthy merchant trading via sea routes, faced a storm at sea. Seeing no other hope, he sought refuge in the Guru’s feet and prayed, “True King, protect the honour of your devotee. Bring my ship safely to shore. I will come for your darshan and offer 500 gold coins at the Guru’s house.” True to the saying “The prayer of the Guru’s servant is never in vain,” his ship reached the shore safely. When he prepared to visit the Guru, he learned that the eighth Guru had passed away, leaving only the cryptic indication “Baba Bakale” for the next successor. Reaching Bakala with his caravan, Makhan Shah was surprised to see 22 claimants to the Guruship, each seated on their own throne. Finding the true Guru seemed difficult. After discussing with his family, he decided that the Guru is all-knowing, and the true Guru would ask for his promised offering. He planned to offer five coins to each and bow his head. But none asked for the full amount. Disheartened, he heard of another person from the Guru’s lineage, known as “Tega Tega,” who lived detached from worldly affairs and absorbed in divine meditation. Visiting him, Makhan Shah placed five coins before him and was about to leave when the true Guru remarked, “Ah, Makhan Shah, when the ship was sinking you promised 500, and now you settle with five?” Overwhelmed, Makhan Shah placed the full bag of coins before the Guru and bowed in reverence. The Guru warned him not to make a public scene, else he would be blackened in the face. Historian Giani Gian Singh records that Makhan Shah himself blackened his face, climbed onto the rooftop, and proclaimed — “Sachha Guru Ladho Re, Sachha Guru Ladho Re” (I have found the True Guru!). He urged the congregation, “Do not wander door to door, the True Guru is here.” Bhai Gurditta Ji, from the lineage of Baba Buddha Ji, performed the formal tilak of Guruship. Offerings from Delhi were presented. All bowed before the Guru, and the 22 false thrones disappeared like stars before the rising sun. Blessed Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji thus ascended the Guruship. According to history, on 11 August 1664 CE, on the day of the full moon in the month of Sawan, Guru Ji was revealed. That day happened to coincide with Raksha Bandhan. Since then, the Sikh congregation celebrates this day annually as the “Sachha Guru Ladho Re” fair. It is important to note that Raksha Bandhan is a festival of the Sanatan Hindu tradition and has no direct connection to this historical Sikh event.
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