9 April 2002
The
Sikh community around the UK has been remembering the Queen Mother in many
different ways. As news of her death was announced she was remembered in
the Ardas, the congregational prayer in many Gurdwaras around the country.
A minutes silence was held before the evening dinner at the end of the
Sikh Conference in Bradford on Sunday. In keeping with Sikh tradition on
the 3rd of April a Sehj Path (one complete recitation of the Sri Guru
Granth Sahib) was begun, which will conclude at 2pm on 9th April, the time
of her funeral at Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Southall, west London.
A book of condolonce has also been opened in the main foyer of the
Gurdwara
so that members of the Sangat can write about their thoughts during this
period and convey their feelings in writing.
HM Queen Elizabeth was the last Empress of India and resting upon her coffin as she lay in State at Westminster Hall was her crown which features the Ko-Hi-Noor the most famous diamond in the world, which was given to Queen Victoria by Maharaja Duleep Singh.