AI Generated Summary
- According to Punjab Education Minister Harjot Bains, all buildings in the historic town will be painted white, and a tent city will be set up to accommodate the expected influx of devotees.
- Punjab has unveiled elaborate plans to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, with a week-long series of religious and cultural events in November.
- The celebrations, scheduled between November 19 and 25, will center around Anandpur Sahib, which will be transformed into a “White City” as part of the preparations.
Punjab has unveiled elaborate plans to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, with a week-long series of religious and cultural events in November.
The celebrations, scheduled between November 19 and 25, will center around Anandpur Sahib, which will be transformed into a “White City” as part of the preparations. According to Punjab Education Minister Harjot Bains, all buildings in the historic town will be painted white, and a tent city will be set up to accommodate the expected influx of devotees.
Four Yatras to Converge at Anandpur Sahib
The state government has planned four major religious processions (yatras), starting from different parts of Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, which will converge at Anandpur Sahib:
- Srinagar Yatra – Beginning November 21, this yatra will travel through Pathankot and Hoshiarpur before reaching Anandpur Sahib.
- Gurdaspur Yatra – Covering Baba Bakala, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Jalandhar.
- Ferozepur-Ludhiana Yatra – Passing through Moga and Ludhiana.
- Ferozepur-Patiala Yatra – Traversing Faridkot, Bathinda, Barnala, Sangrur, Mansa, and Patiala.
Religious and Cultural Highlights
The week-long program will feature an inter-faith conference promoting communal harmony, daily kirtan darbars with eminent ragi jathas, and traditional martial art (gatka) demonstrations by Nihang warriors, showcasing the Khalsa martial legacy.
Education Minister Bains also revealed that discussions are underway with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to collaborate in the commemorative events.
SGPC Raises Objection
However, the state’s plans have stirred controversy. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami has objected to what he termed “separate government-organised events.” In a press statement, Dhami asserted that the SGPC, being the apex Sikh religious body, is solely responsible for hosting such historic commemorations.
“The government’s role should be limited to providing administrative support for the convenience of pilgrims, not interfering in religious affairs,” Dhami stated, emphasizing that the Sikh sangat should lead such initiatives.
A Historic Tribute
Despite the differences, the state government maintains that the celebrations aim to honor Guru Teg Bahadur’s supreme sacrifice for religious freedom. With lakhs of devotees expected to participate, Anandpur Sahib is gearing up for one of the largest Sikh religious gatherings in recent years.
