The North News
Anandpur Sahib, November 22
Nagar kirtans marking the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur are set to reach Sri Anandpur Sahib , Punjab Education and Information & Public Relations Minister Harjot Singh Bains said. The processions, which began from Srinagar, Gurdaspur, Faridkot and Talwandi Sabo, have covered a combined distance of 1,563km. Bains said a large gathering of devotees from India and abroad is expected to welcome the kirtans with flower petals as they arrive in the holy city.
Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond said the state government has put in place extensive arrangements for devotees travelling from across the country and overseas. He added that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had directed officials to ensure full preparedness ahead of the commemorative events.
Religious programmes will be held on a large scale from 23 to 25 November, including a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha.
Light and sound shows illustrating the life and philosophy of Guru Tegh Bahadur are being staged across all 23 districts. Kirtan darbars have also been organised in Baba Bakala, Amritsar and Patiala.
Bains said the Akhand Path will begin on 23 November at Gurdwara Sahib near Baba Budha Dal Chaunni, followed by the inauguration of an exhibition on Guru Tegh Bahadur at the Virasat-e-Khalsa memorial. An interfaith conference will also be held the same day.
On 24 November, a Nagar Kirtan will be taken out from Kiratpur Sahib to the Bhai Jaita Ji memorial. A heritage walk through major religious sites in Sri Anandpur Sahib will be organised, alongside a special Assembly session at the Bhai Jaita Ji memorial. Cultural displays, including Gatka, tent pegging and traditional martial art demonstrations, will take place at Charan Ganga Stadium. Daily drone shows are scheduled at Virasat-e-Khalsa from 23 to 29 November.
After the Bhog ceremony on 25 November, a Sarbat Da Bhala congregation will be held at the main pandal of Baba Budha Dal Chaunni.
Authorities have arranged extensive facilities for the expected large turnout. Shuttle services will transport devotees from parking areas to key locations, supported by CCTV surveillance, lighting, barricading, signboards and mobile toilets. The fleet includes 500 e-rickshaws, 150 minibuses, 25 vans, 15 cars, 20 Tata Ace vehicles and 10 golf carts for elderly and differently abled devotees. A central control system will monitor all movement.
Two major tent cities—Chak Nanaki Niwas and Bhai Mati Das Niwas—have been set up by the Rupnagar district administration, providing accommodation for around 10,000 visitors.
Medical services, ambulances and a 24-hour control room have been stationed for emergency response. More than 8,000 Punjab Police personnel have been deployed for security and traffic management, the minister said.
