Punjab Marks Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s 350th with Free Buses

CHANDIGARH, November 3: To honour the eternal legacy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, the Punjab Government has embarked on a statewide commemorations to mark the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of the Ninth Guru Sahib to universally propagate His message of sacrifice, righteousness and freedom of faith for all humanity.

Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains, along with Advisor to Tourism & Cultural Affairs Department Deepak Bali, addressed a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan on Monday evening.

Bains and Bali said that the sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was not for a single religion, but for the fundamental rights and dignity of all human beings.The Punjab government aims to spread the light of this supreme sacrifice to every corner of the state. It resonates across the country and inspires generations to come.

Guru ; Martyrdom Anniversary  programs would commence on November 4

Highlighting the multifaceted commemorations, Harjot Singh Bains announced that the Martyrdom Anniversary  programs would commence on November 4 across Punjab. The events aim to engage citizens of all ages, especially youth and students. He further announced that all Punjab schools will introduce a mandatory 15-day educational module.. This module is for students from nursery to Class XII. It will start from November 10. During the morning assembly, a pre-recorded recitation of 10-12 minutes will be played. It details Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s life, his martyrdom, and the creation of the Khalsa Panth. This initiative aims to educate children about this pivotal moment in history. All universities, colleges, and ITIs must organise seminars. Polytechnics, both government and private, also need to arrange events to commemorate the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary. The Minister expressed delight at the enthusiastic response from these institutions.

He further said that a specially curated 45-minute Light and Sound show will be held in all districts. It will highlight Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s life and sacrifice. The show will start in Patiala, Jalandhar, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Pathankot on November 4th. It will then be followed by other districts.

four Nagar Kirtans starting from different parts of the country

The Education Minister shared details about four Nagar Kirtans starting from different parts of the country and announced that one Nagar Kirtan will begin from Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi in Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir) on November 19. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Aam Aadmi Party’s National Convenor Mr. Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir Mr. Umar Abdullah will attend the Nagar Kirtan. All the cabinet ministers of Punjab and MLAs will be present as well. The other three will originate from Faridkot, Bathinda and Gurdaspur. All four Nagar Kirtans will converge at Sri Anandpur Sahib on the evening of November 22. All Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, and officials will serve as ‘Sewadars’ during these processions.

Harjot Singh Bains said the Holy city of Sri Anandpur Sahib, founded by Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, will host the concluding ceremonies of the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary. The ceremonies will take place from November 23 to 25. He highlighted the significance of the occasion. He said that the events will commence on November 23 with the Akhand Path Sahib. The start time is at 10am. This will be followed by Sarb Dharam Sammelan and an exhibition at Virasat-e-Khalsa. At 5pm, there will be a first-ever drone show depicting Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s life and supreme sacrifice. A Kirtan Darbar will occur at 6pm. The day will culminate with “Shahaadat di Lo”, illuminating the holy city. This will be achieved through the lighting of torches (Mashals).

The Punjab Vidhan Sabha will hold a special session at Bhai Jaita Ji Memorial

On November 24, Nagar Kirtan ‘Sis Bhet’ will commence from Sri Kiratpur Sahib towards Sri Anandpur Sahib. The Punjab Vidhan Sabha will hold a special session at Bhai Jaita Ji Memorial at Sri Anandpur Sahib for the first time in the history to mark the historic occasion.  The session, scheduled from 12 noon to 4 pm, would serve as a tribute to the revered Ninth Guru Sahib. On November 25, renowned Kirtani Jathas will recite hymns of the 9th Guru Sahib after the Bhog of Akhand Path Sahib.

He further informed that a major interfaith conference, “Sarb Dharam Sammelan” would bring together spiritual leaders from diverse faiths. Prominent religious figures are invited. These include Jathedars of the five Takhts, SGPC President, Head Granthi of Sri Darbar Sahib, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and Sh. Lokesh Muni Ji. The event aims to highlight Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s universal message of unity and harmony.

He said that a spectacular drone show featuring 500 drones will illuminate the skies at Virsat-e-Khalsa in Sri Anandpur Sahib. The event will last for three days (November 23 to 25). The show will showcase the life and martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. This dazzling display, a first for North India, promises to be a breathtaking tribute to the revered Ninth Guru Sahib.

Punjab Gears Up for 1 Crore Devotees at Sri Anandpur Sahib with Tent Cities and Free Transport

Harjot Singh Bains outlined the extensive arrangements for the expected 1 crore devotees (Sangat) from around the globe. The Punjab Government is setting up three large ‘Tent Cities’. These cities will have a capacity for over 11,000 visitors daily from November 19 to 30. Additionally, authorities are developing over 106 acres of dedicated parking lots along all approach routes to Sri Anandpur Sahib.

The Education Minister said that the Punjab Government has geared up to provide hassle-free transportation to the devotees. A fleet of 500 e-rickshaws and 100 mini-buses will ply within the Holy city, offering free rides. Special free bus services will start from every tehsil in Punjab to Sri Anandpur Sahib. These services will operate from November 23rd to 25th. This initiative ensures a smooth journey for Sangat.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains extended a warm invitation. He said, “On behalf of the Punjab Government, I invite the Sangat to unite. Let us pay homage to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s life and legacy. This legacy stands as a beacon of hope for humanity.”