Sikhs in Mumbai distribute cool `sharbat' to motorists

MUMBAI: Even as the heat wave strikes several places in the country, Sikhs in the city, Thane and Navi Mumbai have been offering cool `sharbat' drinks to motorists in the hot afternoons since Friday in remembrance of the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
Outside various gurudwaras, such as in Kharghar, the Sikh devotees also distributed langar (food) to passersby along with sharbat.
A devotee informed that in the hot summer month of May 1606, their fifth spiritual leader Guru Arjan Dev Ji, was tortured to death by the Mughal emperor over certain spiritual issues and differences at the time.
As per the old records, heated sand was thrown on the Guru, as part of the torture. Hence, to remember this sacrifice, Sikhs distribute refreshing cool drinks to the people, while greeting each other with the word `Waheguru' (the wonderful teacher).