More than 100 Sikhs travelled from Melbourne for the ceremony.
The came in buses provided by the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara Craigieburn and Gurudwara Sahib Tarneit Community Transport.
Everyone was welcomed by Benalla Mayor Bernie Hearn and Deputy Mayor Don Firth also spoke about Siva Singh, whose property hosted the reading in 1920.
Len Kenna, director of the Australian Indian Historical Society (AIHS), was also in attendance, introducing AIHS president Satnam Singh Pabla who thanked the mayor, councillors and the people of Benalla for their kind words and their warm welcome.
An AIHS spokesperson said Mr Pabla spoke of the importance of the event to the Sikh community.
“Dr. Santokh Singh Aujla then presented siropas to the mayor and deputy mayor,” the spokesperson said.
“A siropa is an honorary scarf or garment bestowed on a person as a mark of honour.
“Then everyone gathered in a circle for a short Ardas (prayer).
“This prayer remembers God and the 10 Gurus, and asks God to bless the Sikhs and all humanity and help them be faithful to the scriptures and is recited before performing or after undertaking any significant task.
“After this the congregation moved to the shade of the trees and enjoyed langer (lunch) of curry, rice, and roti with soft drinks and water. The meal was cooked and provided by the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara Craigieburn.
“Langar was followed by music played by Dayabir Singh who played a stringed Sikh instrument called a Nankshahi-Rabab and the women sang along with him.
“The music was followed by a reading by Kishan Singh Pangly of some of his published poems.
“During these performances everyone lounged on the grass, the women sang a few more songs, the children played and enjoyed the atmosphere of a beautiful and peaceful bush setting, then returned to their buses and cars for the trek back to Melbourne.”
