(Archana Sethi) A massive Nagar Kirtan, dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur, departed from the historic Gurdwara Chhathi Patshahi Sahib for Sri Anandpur Sahib, the birthplace of the Khalsa. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Aam Aadmi Party National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah joined the Sangat at the departure.
The Nagar Kirtan, organized under the aegis of the eternal Sri Guru Granth Sahib and led by the Panj Pyaras, will pass through various cities: Jammu, Pathankot, Dasuya, Hoshiarpur, Mahilpur, Garhshankar, and other towns, and will conclude on November 22nd in the holy city of Sri Anandpur Sahib, founded by the Ninth Guru. The Nagar Kirtan will halt in Jammu on the night of November 19th, Pathankot on the night of November 20th, and Hoshiarpur on the night of November 21st.
A large number of devotees are participating with devotion in this Nagar Kirtan, dedicated to the sacred day of Guru Sahib. For the convenience of the devotees accompanying the Kirtan, the convoy will be equipped with an ambulance, a digital museum, langar, and other necessary supplies.
Earlier, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal bowed their heads at the Gurudwara Sahib and prayed for the welfare of all. They remarked that celebrating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the ninth Sikh Guru is a historic moment for all of us, who made an unparalleled sacrifice for the protection of humanity. They expressed their gratitude to the people for having the opportunity to be a part of these significant events. Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that Akal Purakh has bestowed immense blessings on the state government for its service in this noble cause, and the government will leave no stone unturned in this noble endeavor.
Chief Minister Mann and AAP National Convenor called upon the people to follow the path shown by Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur to all humanity. He stated that the Punjab government is committed to celebrating this sacred occasion with reverence. Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that Guru Sahib Ji’s universal message of peace, humanity, love, and brotherhood remains deeply relevant in the national and international arena even today.
Chief Minister Mann and AAP’s National Convenor called upon the people to embrace the Guru’s ideology, stating that this great ideology has emerged as a unifying force, binding the entire nation together in an unbreakable social fabric. They reminded the people of the Guru’s unparalleled contribution to protecting religious freedom and human rights and upholding the centuries-old traditions of secularism, for which he sacrificed his life.
Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that the state government has made every effort to pay tribute and honor to the great Guru Sahib on this sacred occasion. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal further expressed their deepest appreciation for the dedication and devotion of the Sikh community in Jammu and Kashmir. They specially thanked Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his presence with the Sangat at this historic event. Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is indeed a proud moment for the entire Sikh community, and especially for the Sikhs of Jammu and Kashmir, who deserve special thanks from all of us.
Chief Minister Mann and AAP’s National Convenor personally thanked the Jammu and Kashmir Government and the Sikh Sangat on behalf of the Punjab Government and Punjabis for making this great event possible. They said that the Punjab Government is organizing events in various states to commemorate Guru Sahib’s Martyrdom Day.
Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Singh Mann informed that the events dedicated to the 350th Martyrdom Day of the Ninth Guru Ji began on October 25th at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi, and a massive Kirtan Darbar was organized at Gurdwara Sri Rakab Ganj Sahib on the same day.
Chief Minister Mann and the AAP National Convenor stated that light and sound shows were organized in all districts of Punjab from November 1st to November 18th, showcasing the life and philosophy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur. Similarly, Kirtan Darbars are being organized in towns and cities blessed by Guru Sahib, and a Kirtan Darbar was held in Srinagar on November 18th.
Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that four Nagar Kirtans are being organized from different directions, and today the first Nagar Kirtan began from this land, which will conclude in Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 22nd.
Chief Minister Mann and the AAP National Convenor stated that three Nagar Kirtans will be organized from Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo), Faridkot, and Gurdaspur on November 20th, and all four will conclude in Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 22nd. They stated that large-scale gatherings will be held in Sri Anandpur Sahib from November 23rd to 25th. A tent city called “Chak Nanaki” is being set up in the holy city to accommodate thousands of pilgrims.
Chief Minister Mann and AAP’s national convener said that exhibitions highlighting the life and message of Guru Sahib, drone shows, and an interfaith conference will also be held. On November 24th, a special session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly will be held in Sri Anandpur Sahib, where prominent figures will share their views on the Guru’s life, philosophy, and his great sacrifice for religious freedom and human rights. A state-level blood donation camp will be held on November 25th.
