Three Things That Make the SCDA’s Shastargarh a Unique Sikh Experience
Author’s Note: To explore the significance of a shastargarh and its connection to Sikh history, please refer to this detailed article available on the Bunga Azaadi website (www.bungaazaadi.com).
With the blessings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, we are grateful to reveal the beginnings of what is our organization’s shastargarh, marking a significant milestone in our mission. We also want to take this opportunity to highlight what distinguishes this space from other Sikh institutions, such as Gurdwara Sahibs, commonly frequented by Sikhs in the West.
Whether you’re a shastar enthusiast, an outdoorsy person, a nature lover, or just seeking something “different”, we hope that you find something that you can connect with here.
1. It’s Mobile
There’s a unique freedom in embracing a lifestyle or configuration which is not bound to a single location, unlike most traditional organizations or establishments. One aspect I find particularly appealing about a mobile setup is the opportunity to immerse myself in nature’s diverse landscapes, spending nights stargazing on public lands like BLM or Crown land, or at private campsites. The mobility of the Galaxy tents, which form our shastargarh, allows us to serve community members no matter where they are located across the US or Canada.
On the community readiness front, this approach enables individuals to practice or learn sheltering while enjoying the comfort of a glamping experience.
2. It’s Khalsa-Centric
If we think of the average Gurdwara today, Khalsa culture is either a) non-existent or b) pushed to the fringes to where it’s only brought to notice during significant religious holidays such as Vaisakhi or Hola Mohalla (Holi). Contrast this with the SCDA. We don’t just acknowledge the culture year round but celebrate it. That means celebrating the militaristic roots of the Khalsa by showcasing different shastar (including firearms), creating an environment that is welcoming of compositions from Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Dasam Bani, etc., and honoring past members of the Khalsa who dedicated their lives to advancing the cause of the Sikh Dharam. The goal is that any initiated Singh or Kaur who enters the space feels not uplifted but also at home.
3. It’s Modular
There is no limit with the Galaxy tent. One of its features is its expandability, allowing multiple tents to be seamlessly connected. The main space, which houses the shastar prakash, is showcased in our recent Instagram Reel. In November, we are excited to unveil exclusively on Substack an expanded configuration, featuring a dedicated area for kirtan, accompanied by a comprehensive setup template for those inspired to replicate this in their own communities.
Input from You:
We recognize that members of the Sangat have diverse preferences for engaging with sacred texts. Some prefer physical written materials, such as Laridaar Gutka Sahibs or Senchia, as they foster greater focus, minimize distractions, and ensure the utmost satkar (respect) is maintained for Gurbani compared to digital devices. Others favor the convenience of smartphones or tablets, where applications like SikhiToTheMax offer customizable features to enhance navigation and personalize the experience. Additionally, some individuals have Bani kanth (memorized) and rely on written or digital resources only when necessary. To best support the Sangat in their spiritual practice, we seek to understand these preferences and are exploring the addition of written materials to complement the existing shastargarh setup. Please share your preferences by participating in our poll below to help us better serve the community.