Mata Nanaki started to mourn, with tears cascading down as her heart ached with sorrow. In a similar manner, Mata Gujri too found herself immersed in deep mourning, tears ceaselessly streaming from her eyes.

The Satguru, upon reflection, sent the Masands with a message, "Console the mothers, and infuse them with fortitude and resilience. There should be no place for grief in the Guru's abode, only the composed blissful flavour of the divine."

Upon receiving the Guru's message, they promptly went to the dwelling of the mothers. There, they respectfully greeted them and seated themselves close by. With hands respectfully joined, they spoke, " “Mothers, [please] listen to our words. It does not behove you to feel such throws of affection."

[The servants continued]: "The Guru has willingly relinquished His body while preserving the sacred Dharma of the Hindus. Concurrently, he laid a curse upon the head of the ruler of Turks, (Aurangzeb), as His own body neared its earthly end.

Now, behold your son in his rightful position, and restrain your mind from succumbing to such sorrow." In that moment, Kripal Chand, the brother [of Mata Gujri Ji], was seated close by. Having heard these words, he responded without delay.

"My sister, take these words into account. Fate can never be erased. The Satguru had composed and sent some stanzas for you. Why have you not internalised their meanings in your heart?

Observe, Their son Guru [Gobind Singh] will ascend to greatness, whose self-evident radiance is glorious. Look towards him, take joy in his presence. For all of us, he is as beloved as the moon is to the chakora bird.

The Guru, through his Masands, had sent this consoling message to you repeatedly. Please, accept it with love." Hearing this, both mothers considered Kripal Chand's encouraging words, abandoned their sorrow, and turned their affection towards their son.

[At that point, the Masands were instructed]: "As per the custom of Dastarbandi, certain items are required. If you can find them here, make a bulk purchase. If not, send funds to procure them from larger towns."

Upon hearing the instruction, the Masands disbursed the funds, procuring a variety of dastārs and other pieces of fabric. They requested and procured high-quality wool cloth, as well as beautiful silk fabric.

[The Masands] disbursed funds across numerous villages to procure substantial amounts of ghee and amassed a significant stock of white sugar. They prepared all the requisite items for the ritual, gathering even more than what was initially deemed necessary.

News [about the dastārbandi] circulated and reached far and wide across the regions, prompting countless aspirants to make their way to the Guru with longing in their hearts. Attendants and Masands alike readied themselves for the occasion; they brought with them several luxurious dastārs, each one of significant value.

As they gathered this congregation of devotees, they spread the magnificence of the Guru, saying: "The Guru is still young, but he is to receive the rite of consecration [abhishek]. A grand assembly will take place in Anandpur; quickly get together and make your journey to this grand celebration."

Upon hearing the news, Sikhs from all four directions hastily began their journey, not wasting any time. The roads became crowded with a large congregation of Sikhs, each group eager and excited to reach Anandpur.

An enormous gathering was converging in Anandpur. The Sikhs who had arrived engaged in discourse amongst themselves. As they listened and recited the virtues of the Satguru, a sense of sheer bliss pervaded among them. Despite his youthful age and small stature, the radiance emanating from the Guru's face was likened to the luminous glow of the moon.

All who laid eyes upon the Guru's form paid their obeisance. They marveled at his sharp intellect, agile wit, and unmatched beauty. The phrase "Blessed, blessed is the Guru!" was repeated by many as they admired his wide, alert, and effervescent eyes, further highlighting his radiant demeanor.

At that moment, Mata Ji addressed all the Masands and proposed: "Let us organise a Jagya, a ceremonial feast of generosity and goodwill. Extend invitations to various Sadhus and Sants from far and wide. With the utmost respect and reverence, provide them with nourishment."

Upon hearing this decree, the Guru's officials swiftly set about executing the tasks as directed. They summoned the cooks and provided them with detailed instructions on how to prepare the feast. The entire operation began to unfold, with every group dutifully engaged in their assigned duties.

They supplied ample ghee (clarified butter) and sugar, in addition to wheat and fine flour. Numerous small and large ਪੂਰੀ (pūṛī, a type of fried bread) were then prepared. These were placed and stacked in an auspicious location, creating a significant pile of them.

They offered large and deep pans, and kept getting ready and setting aside portions of Karah Parshad. Large and thick ਕਚੌਰੀ (kachori, deep-fried pastries) were also prepared. The fine chefs were now busily preparing these dishes.

A variety of excellent dishes had been meticulously prepared, and a large assortment of large and small puris had been amassed. Wherever there were elegantly attired Mahants or Sants, they were invited and ushered in.

Every group that arrived was welcomed to partake in the feast, including many Brahmins and individuals from other castes. All guests were treated with fitting respect and dignity. The Master (Guru Gobind Singh Ji) oversees the entire event from atop a high place, observing the activities unfold.

All the Masands then arranged the congregants into rows for the communal dining, known as ਪੰਗਤਿ (pangat). They seated everyone according to their appropriate place. The crowd had grown considerably large. The organizers were providing instructions, creating extensive rows for the orderly serving of the meal.

Numerous servers began distributing the meal. Everyone felt satiated with just a single hearty serving, and there was no need for anyone to ask for seconds. The food was promptly served to everyone present, and then everyone started partaking of the meal, savoring its taste.

They praised the meal repeatedly and wondered aloud, "How could such a feast not be prepared out of love for the divine Guru by the Guru's son (Guru Gobind Singh Ji), who himself is the Doer and Cause of all actions?

Some were served the sacrament karah prashad, while to others, they offered large and small puris. Cumin-infused yogurt was generously given. Simply a glance, without a plea, would be enough for the sevadars to serve more to the guests.

Everyone was thoroughly satisfied, delighting greatly in the food. Eagerly, the servers would go around, urging, "Please have some more, have some more!" Everyone relished all the flavors – sweet, sour, and spicy.

They kept pouring out crisp water time and time again. People, content in their hearts, were savouring the delightful food, their satisfaction lingering. After quenching their thirst with water, they washed their hands. The air filled with voices exclaiming, "Blessed, blessed is the great Guru!"

Following that, the astute Satguru, accompanied by Mata Ji, put ample money in the hands of the Masands. He instructed, "Go and distribute this to everyone, ensure there's no confusion or disturbance. Carry this out in an orderly manner so that no one leaves empty-handed."

The Masands, having received the money, distributed it to everyone. They gave a little more to the Brahmins, Sants, and Mahants. Overwhelmed with joy, everyone started praising the Guru, exclaiming, "The Guru has earned great praise from this first charitable feast"

[They continued]: "The Guru, encompassing all forms of art and knowledge, was perfect and expansive in every way, evoking in one's mind the essence of Sri Guru Hargobind. His enthusiasm, intellect, and innate nature were uniquely vibrant. Known for his extraordinary generosity, it was understood that his heart was abundant in benevolence...

...He delights countless with such a vast multitude, bestowing happiness with graciousness," [people say with joy]. Hearing this, one person would turn to another in wonder, asking, "What were his father and grandfather like?"

[They would respond], "Sri Guru Arjan and Guru Ram Das, they were the ones who granted liberation to countless of their servants. From such a lineage, Guru Gobind Singh was born. It's indeed a great fortune for those who remain connected to such a family."

Thus, they all extolled the Guru's praises. In delight, they accepted the money given as an offering. Experiencing immense bliss, they gave countless blessings, wishing for the long life of the Guru's son.

"As long as rivers like Yamuna and Ganga flow through the lands, may you live just as long in great happiness." In this way, there was a significant gathering of people, causing a delightful bustle at the feast organised by the Guru. Everyone in the city of Anandpur felt a profound sense of bliss.

The entire Sikh congregation was thoroughly content, and then, only at the end, did the Masands begin to partake in the food. Many individuals from countless regions made their way to the city, setting up their own camps out of a deep-seated desire to be part of the event.

Thus, that day passed and night followed. The next morning, everyone sang the Guru's words (Gurbani). An atmosphere of joyful tumult arose, as people greeted each other warmly, sharing in their mutual love and fellowship.

After consulting the astrological calendar, they scheduled the Dastarbandi ceremony for the auspicious month of Phagun (February/March), in the first half of the lunar cycle, on the fifth day. They event was fixed by those wise [scholars who had a] profound understanding.

Upon hearing this message first, whoever spread the news to different towns was well-received, and everyone who heard it made haste towards Anandpur. The inhabitants of Lahore and Sudhasar (Amritsar) were among the first to congregate. Upon hearing the news, everyone set off without delay.

Those who resided in the locations where Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Angad Dev Ji, and Guru Amar Das Ji had once been, those who were bestowed the honour of the 'Manji' title by one of the nine Gurus, all of them made their journey towards Anandpur.

The Sikh congregations, with great effort, set up their tents, establishing expansive settlements wherever they could. On all sides of the city, clusters of Sikhs had gathered. Their joy knew no bounds upon hearing the Guru's news.

Upon arrival, they offered generous gifts, fuelled by their profound devotion. [They expressed their gratitude], "Blessed be the Guru, who kept the dastaar [of honour] on the head of the Hindus!"