The North News
Chandigarh, October 17
The Punjab Government has extended a formal invitation to M. K. Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, to join state-level commemorations marking the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. During a meeting in Chennai, Harbhajan Singh, Punjab’s Public Works Minister, and Barinder Kumar Goyal, Water Resources Minister, conveyed greetings from Bhagwant Mann, Chief Minister of Punjab. They briefed Stalin on the elaborate plans to observe the anniversary with reverence and grandeur, highlighting the Guru’s supreme sacrifice to uphold religious freedom and human dignity.
The commemorations will begin on 25 October with Ardaas at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi, followed by devotional congregations and cultural programmes across Punjab. Light and Sound shows illustrating Guru Sahib’s life and teachings will be organised in all 23 districts, while 130 sacred sites linked to his travels will host Kirtan Darbars and spiritual gatherings.
Four Nagar Kirtans starting from Srinagar, Gurdaspur, Faridkot and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib will converge at Anandpur Sahib on 22 November. The concluding ceremonies (23–25 November) will feature Sri Akhand Path Sahib, a Sarb Dharam Sammelan, a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha and a grand Kirtan Darbar. A “Tent City” named Chakk Nanki will be set up in Anandpur Sahib to host thousands of daily visitors.
Chief Minister Stalin praised Punjab’s initiative, calling it a powerful message of unity, compassion and brotherhood. Punjab Ministers said CM Bhagwant Mann envisions the celebrations as a national tribute, aiming to spread the Guru’s teachings of peace, equality and righteousness.
