The North News
New Delhi/Chandigarh, October 16
Punjab government will launch a series of events on October 25 to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the Ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur. The programme will begin with an Ardas at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in New Delhi. Announcing the plans at Punjab Bhawan, Cabinet Ministers Harjot Singh Bains and Tarunpreet Singh Sond along with Advisor (Tourism and Cultural Affairs) Deepak Bali said the commemorations will continue for a month across Punjab and other parts of India. Chief Minister Mann, ministers and dignitaries will pay their respects at Sis Ganj Sahib and visit the martyrdom sites of Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji and Bhai Dayala Ji.
A grand Kirtan Darbar will be held the same evening at Gurdwara Sri Rakab Ganj Sahib, where thousands of devotees are expected. “Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji laid down his life in Delhi to uphold human rights and religious freedom — a sacrifice unmatched in world history,” officials said.
From November 1 to 18, Light and Sound Shows will be held in all districts of Punjab to showcase the Guru’s life and teachings. Kirtan Darbars will also take place at towns blessed by his presence. On November 18, a Kirtan Darbar will be held in Srinagar, followed by a Nagar Kirtan starting November 19, passing through Jammu, Pathankot, and Hoshiarpur before reaching Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 22.
Simultaneously, Nagar Kirtans will begin from Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo), Faridkot and Gurdaspur, all converging at Anandpur Sahib. From November 23 to 25, Anandpur Sahib will host the main commemorative events.
A special tent city named “Chakk Nanaki” will accommodate thousands of devotees. An interfaith conference, exhibitions and a drone show will highlight the Guru’s legacy. On November 24, a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha will be held at Anandpur Sahib to honour Guru Tegh Bahadur’s supreme sacrifice.
The commemorations will conclude on November 25 with a statewide blood donation drive and a mass plantation campaign titled “Sarbat da Bhala Ikkatarta” (Unity for the Welfare of All).
Spiritual leaders and saints from across the world have shared their blessings for the event, which will also involve students in Punjab’s schools through daily lessons on the Guru’s life and philosophy. Dignitaries, including the President, Prime Minister, Chief Ministers of various states and foreign ambassadors, will be invited to the events.
