Istri Sabha originated from Bebe Nanaki’s inspiration she took from her brother Guru Nanak Sahib Ji. Guru Nanak Sahib Ji recited sophisticated Raag based kirtan. Bebe Nanaki then utilised this knowledge and simplified the kirtan which she shared with the women folk of the village.

Bebe Nanaki continued this tradition and the women would gather and recite gurbani and sing the shabads with her devoted leadership.

This tradition was also continued by Mata Ganga (wife of Guru Arjan Sahib Ji), and she asked Guru Arjan Sahib Ji to offer her a gift just as he offered gifts to his devotees. Guru Arjan Sahib Ji offered the gift of Sukhmani prayer that would last forever. Mata Ganga recited this prayer and kirtan in her Sat Sang and this tradition has continued to this day.

Istri Sabha’s influence with Sikh history and Hola Mohalla

After the Sikhs deserted Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the act of ‘Bedava’, and on reaching home their sikh wives questioned the devoted Sikhs return from the battle without their Guru.

Bhai Maha Singh Ji, the leader of the deserting Sikhs, advised their resignation due to non-payment of salaries.

Mai Bhago (wife of Bhai Maha Singh) then said to Bhai Maha Singh Ji that if they wished to forsake the Guru to stay at home and cook while they, the women folk, would lead the battle front instead.

This put them to shame and they realised their mistake and returned to battle. This famous battle of Mukatsar took place turning them into martyrs now known as the ‘Challi Muktay’ (the forty martyrs).

Guru Gobind Singh Ji appeared with the desertion notice and tore it in front of the dying Bhai Maha Singh Ji and forgive them all.

Conclusion

The two pieces of history prove the value of our wives, mothers, sisters and daughters to be drenched with the sikh spirit as the future of our nation will always remain in their hands.

Istri Sabha now perform Sat Sang regularly at the Gurdwara and peoples homes to infuse the spirit into our generations. Their work must not be taken lightly and deserves very high praise particularly in the materialistic time where every day counts.

Our sikh women folk perform this selfless task totally free without personal gain and we pray for their eternal happiness and blissful life.