Chandigarh, Oct 24 (PTI) - Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal are scheduled to attend religious gatherings on Saturday, marking the commencement of events commemorating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
The Punjab government will initiate the series of events with a prayer service at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi on October 25. Following the prayer service, a Kirtan Darbar will be held at Gurdwara Sri Rakab Ganj Sahib in the evening. Both Mann and Kejriwal will participate in the Kirtan Darbar.
Eminent Ragis including Bhai Amarjit Singh Taan, Bhai Anantbir Singh, Bhai Chamanjit Singh Lal, Bhai Joginder Singh Riar, Bhai Davinder Singh Sodhi, and Bhai Jaskaran Singh will perform Kirtan at the event.
A spokesperson for the Punjab government stated that the government has planned numerous events to commemorate the occasion with reverence and respect across the state, with main programs taking place at Sri Anandpur Sahib. These events aim to disseminate the message of secularism, humanism, and the spirit of sacrifice, as preached and practiced by Guru Tegh Bahadur, who sacrificed his life to protect the right to freedom of worship and human rights.
Kejriwal has invited people from across the country to attend the Kirtan Darbar and partake in the langar, emphasizing that the 350th Shaheedi Diwas serves not only as a spiritual commemoration but also as a reminder of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's timeless message of religious freedom, unity, and selfless service. The event will also pay homage to Guru Sahib's loyal disciples — Bhai Mati Das Ji, Bhai Sati Das Ji, and Bhai Dayala Ji — who embraced martyrdom alongside their Guru in the defense of faith and human dignity.
Cabinet Ministers Sanjeev Arora and Gurmeet Singh Khudian extended an invitation to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy of Telangana to participate in the commemorative events, which are scheduled to take place from November 20th at Anandpur Sahib.
The state government is committed to ensuring top-quality infrastructure to facilitate smooth travel for pilgrims and residents and to enhance the overall environment during this historic commemoration. The Punjab government is observing the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Hind Di Chadar — Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji — with deep reverence and respect.
Describing Guru Tegh Bahadur's sacrifice as unparalleled, the spokesperson said it symbolizes the crusade against injustice, tyranny, and oppression. The 'Bani' of Guru Tegh Bahadur in Guru Granth Sahib preaches oneness of mankind, universal brotherhood, valor, righteousness, and compassion. The spokesperson added that these events organized by the state government will be a real homage to the Sikh Guru and inspire people to follow his teachings in true spirit and ensure that the heritage of the Guru is perpetuated to future generations.
