27 May 1900
From Jaimal Singh: Warmest greetings to my obedient son, Babu Sawan Singh, and to all the other Satsangis and their families.
May the Grace and Mercy of the compassionate Hazur always be upon all of you.
Your letter has been received and I was happy to read its contents. A letter has been received from Bachint Singh, as also one from Basant Singh’s in-laws. I was happy to read all three letters. His will is like this, my son. I have noted your thoughts on going to the bandhara, and also about the post-wedding ceremony (muklaavaa) of Basant Singh. First, about Basant Singh’s ceremony: by all means agree to it and send Basant Singh to his in-laws …
You should also arrange leave for the bandhara, which is on Thursday, 14 June, the 1st of Asarh1. You must accompany us. So please arrange leave for four days before the bandhara and for three days afterwards. Any extra days will be for your stay at your village. Anyway, think it over and act as you think proper. Please take leave as we must go to Agra. And do not send the 200 rupees to Agra, because I have already sent your 100 rupees which were left in my care. I have also sent there an additional 30 rupees and about 455 kilograms of wheat by parcel for the bandhara. A total of 200 rupees has to be given. Therefore, bring with you a 100-rupee note; the 100 rupees already sent to Agra was also your money. The total contribution of 200 rupees may fall short by 40 or 50 rupees; it will be made up when we reach Agra. The money may be sent here or brought along when you come. Please see that your leave does not expire before the bandhara – keep this in mind. Send a wire or letter to Bachint Singh at his exact address so that he may receive the money and return home. I will go to the bandhara only if you come. For the rest, my son, we should remain happy in the will of Hazur. In case you have no leave time left to come to the bandhara, take the leave in the month of Kartik2. – Is it possible to arrange some other date before or after Nimani3, say, a day or two before or after it? In my view, if the post-wedding ceremony cannot be arranged for 8, 9, or 10 June, then it should be postponed so that it does not conflict with our visit to the bandhara. Please keep in mind that we have to attend the bandhara.
It was thoughtless of Bachint Singh to give the whole island of Singapore as his address, instead of sending a proper address. A letter or money order could only reach him if he were to give his exact address.
The Lord Himself is doing what He wishes to be done; it is all for the good. Please continue doing your Bhajan and Simran every day.
Please convey my best wishes to Basant Singh, Chanan Singh, Babu Gajja Singh, Narain Singh, Diwan Singh, Sher Singh, Babu Hari Ram, Malik Thakar Das, the elder and younger Bibi Ji, to Gursharan and all the others. Best wishes from Bibi to you, her dear brother. You must come for the bandhara – we have to go. Convey Bibi’s warm greetings to all the Satsangis. Pali’s warm regards with folded hands to everyone. Best wishes from all the Sadhus at the Dera to Babu Ji and to all the Satsangis. May His Grace and Mercy always be upon everyone.
What more is there to write, my son? Whatever Hazur does will be for our good. Remember to do your Bhajan; reply soon. Whichsoever way the compassionate Hazur wishes it, is all for our good. It is a request from all of us that you come for the bandhara. However, if the date of the post-wedding ceremony has to be changed, then please do so with the consent of the other family. At present they are in very straitened circumstances; we should do what pleases them.
27 May 1900
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Explanation: 1) The 4th month of the Hindu calendar. 2) Month of the Hindu calendar, as well as of calendars related to this. The month of Kartik – also written Kartika or Katik – lasts from about mid-October to mid-November. The dates shift yearly since these are calculated according to the moon. 3) A Hindu festival, celebrated in May–June.