*Chandigarh/Thiruvananthapuram, November 5:*
Punjab Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO today called on Kerala Chief Minister Sh. Pinarayi Vijayan at Thiruvananthapuram and extended a formal invitation to join the state-level commemorations being organised to mark the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
Conveying greetings from Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Cabinet Minister apprised Sh. Sh. Pinarayi Vijayan of the elaborate plans being undertaken by the Punjab Government to observe this historic occasion with reverence and grandeur. He shared that the month-long commemorative events will highlight the supreme sacrifice of Guru Sahib to uphold the principles of religious freedom and human dignity.
During the meeting, the Minister informed that the celebrations have already commenced on October 25 with Ardaas at Gurdwara Sri Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi, followed by devotional congregations and cultural programmes across Punjab. He added that a series of Light and Sound shows depicting Guru Sahib’s life and teachings are going on in all 23 districts, while 130 sacred sites associated with Guru Sahib’s travels are hosting Kirtan Darbars and spiritual gatherings.
The Minister also briefed that four Nagar Kirtans, starting from Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir), Gurdaspur, Faridkot and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Punjab), will converge at Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 22. The concluding ceremonies from November 23 to 25 will feature Sri Akhand Path Sahib, Sarb Dharam Sammelan, a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha and a grand Kirtan Darbar. A dedicated Tent City “Chakk Nanki” is also being established at Sri Anandpur Sahib to accommodate thousands of devotees visiting daily.
Chief Minister Sh. Pinarayi Vijayan appreciated the Punjab Government’s visionary initiative to pay the respects to the legacy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, terming it a strong message of unity, compassion and brotherhood.
The Punjab Minister further stated that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann has envisioned these commemorations not only as a tribute to the Ninth Guru Sahib but also as a national effort to disseminate Guru Sahib’s teachings of peace, equality and righteousness. He said that Sri Anandpur Sahib will become a vibrant centre of devotion and cultural expression during the celebrations, drawing devotees and visitors from across India and abroad.
