When a child borns in Sikh family, then in naming ceremony usually takes place in a Gurudwaras in the presence of close relatives and friends. The family to get blessings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib offers donations, gifts, Karah Parshad and a Rumala Sahib. Prayers are offered by Granthi ji, for a special blessing of good health, long life and the Sikh way of life, Gursikhi for the child.
After Ardas by Granthi Ji, Guru Granth Sahib ji is opened at random. The first letter of the first word of the hymn on the page is selected as the first letter of the child’s name. The given name is common for either sex. The word Kaur – ‘princess’ added after a girl’s name like Harsirat Kaur and the name Singh – ‘lion’ after boy’s name like Jasmeet Singh. When the name is selected by the family of the new born, the fellowship gives approval by a holy cheer or Jaikara: ‘Bolay So Nihal! Sat Siri Akal!’ The function ends with the Karah Prasad distribution, sweets or langar from Guru’s kitchen and the placing of the Rumala Sahib over Shri Guru Granth Sahib.
Rumala Sahib is used in Gurdwara Sahib ji to cover Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, it is beautifully designed cloth / silk, used when its is not being read. Rumala Sahib are generally brought as gifts when people wishes were fulfilled or when they attend / visit Sikh Gurdwara Sahib. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) is first covered in white cotton cloth and then priest of Gurdwara cover it nicely with decorated rumallas. These Rumala Sahib clothes were made with different fabric like silk, phulkari styles, gold and red colored, with thread kadhai that gives unique elegant look to the Rumala Sahib. Rumala Sahib is a four piece set cloth that will be having two small size palkaan and two full size Rumalas. Among these four pieces, each cloth handcrafted in calligraphy.
Covering the head is respectful in Sikh Dharm and if a man is not wearing a turban, then a rumal must be worn before entering the Gurdwara.
Rumala Sahib is used in protective manner to wrap Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji- the holy scripture. It is protected in quite gentle manner and with al respect. Besides handicrafted cloth itself, it has stunning work all over it with a orange, white and golden lacework around the edges. Palki Sahib, Chaur Sahib, Rumala Sahib make the Guru Takhat dominate the Darbar Sahib hall of any Gurdwara.
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