Tuesday, July 22


Chandigarh/Amritsar: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday announced a series of events to be organised by the state govt to commemorate the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur from Nov 19 to 25 this year. However, the move drew criticism from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex representative body of Sikhs.After chairing a meeting, Mann said the events would primarily be held at Anandpur Sahib under the aegis of the state govt. However, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said that as the central religious body of the Sikh community, the SGPC held exclusive rights to organise such events in collaboration with Sikh organisations and the wider sangat (community). He said the govt’s role should be limited to providing administrative support and facilities for pilgrims.He urged the Punjab govt to refrain from actions that could lead to unnecessary controversy within the panth (Sikh community).Before Dhami’s statement, Mann had announced that four processions (yatras) would travel across Punjab and culminate at Anandpur Sahib. “The first yatra will start from Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on Nov 21 and pass through Pathankot and Hoshiarpur before reaching Anandpur Sahib. The second will begin in Gurdaspur and pass through Baba Bakala, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Jalandhar,” he said.

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The third yatra will start from Ferozepur, travel through Moga and Ludhiana, and reach Anandpur Sahib. The fourth will also begin in Ferozepur, passing through Faridkot, Bathinda, Barnala, Sangrur, Mansa, and Patiala before concluding at Anandpur Sahib.The CM added that light-and-sound shows and poetry sessions based on Guru Sahib’s life and sacrifice would be organised in all 23 districts of Punjab. “Special seminars and symposiums focused on the life, vision, and martyrdom of Guru Sahib will be held across educational institutions in the state,” he said.An akhand path will begin on Nov 23 and conclude on Nov 25. One of the events will include an interfaith conference aimed at promoting harmony among religions.Every evening will feature a grand Kirtan Darbar, with renowned raagi jathas performing Gurbani Kirtan. Dhami clarified that the SGPC would organise the events by taking everyone along. “It has already been announced that prominent representatives from both the central and state governments would be invited to the centenary events. Therefore, the Punjab govt should play a supportive role, rather than creating unnecessary controversy within the panth by organising separate events,” he said. Punjab minister Harjot Singh Bains blamed SGPC. “You know the reasons. They don’t want to meet us. Through you, we are extending an invitation to them. They can call us or approach the state government. Chief minister saab is never averse to meeting anyone,” he said.





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