DIVAAN/ DIWAAN
Literally, Diwaan means ‘court’. In Persian, it also means ‘register of administration’.
It has also been a designation, like that of a minister or sub-governor.
A Sikh congregation is called also divaan/diwaan.
The presence of Guru Granth Sahib makes a Sikh congregation a Diwaan (Court of God).
A Diwaan is held, usually, within a Gurdwara compound but if the number of the people expected to attend the function is much more than the capacity of the Gurdwara complex, it may be held in specially installed tents or in open.
The place where such congregation is held is called ‘Diwaan asthaan’ (congregation hall); the most famous Diwaan Asthaan of the Sikh nation is Manji Sahib at Darbar Sahib, Amritsar.
The term Diwaan has also been used for some organisations as well. Some such organisations are: Majha Khalsa Diwan, Malwa Khalsa Diwan, Punch Khalsa Diwan Bhasaur, Chief Khalsa Diwan (Amritsar), Khalsa Diwan Society (Vancouver, Canada) etc.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)