Jalandhar, June 13: Thousands of devotees gathered at the grounds of Sain Dass School in Jalandhar on Saturday evening to participate in the state-level celebration of Bhagwan Parshuram Jayanti, organised under the spiritual programme ‘Ek Sham Shiv Ke Naam’. The grand event was attended by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, revered saints, Mahamandleshwar leaders, and people from all walks of life.
The atmosphere turned deeply devotional as renowned singer Hansraj Raghuwanshi mesmerized the audience with bhajans dedicated to Lord Shiva and Bhagwan Parshuram. Thousands of devotees joined in prayers and spiritual celebrations, making the event one of the largest religious gatherings held in the region this year.
Bhagwan Parshuram’s Teachings Belong to All Humanity: Arvind Kejriwal
Addressing the gathering, Arvind Kejriwal said it was a matter of immense pride and satisfaction to participate in a programme dedicated to Bhagwan Parshuram Ji. He extended greetings to the people of Punjab, especially the residents of Jalandhar, on the auspicious occasion.
“Bhagwan Parshuram Ji represents the perfect balance of knowledge and strength. His life inspires us to stand against injustice, discrimination and oppression. His teachings are not limited to any one community but serve as a guiding light for the entire humanity,” Kejriwal said.
He highlighted that the Punjab Government had chosen the sacred land of Jalandhar for the state-level celebration because of its rich cultural, spiritual and historical heritage. According to him, organizing such events helps strengthen the connection between younger generations and India’s spiritual traditions.
Government Committed to Social Harmony and Quality Education
Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to peace and communal harmony, Kejriwal said the state was progressing on the path shown by saints, Gurus and spiritual leaders.
“Just as Bhagwan Parshuram Ji was a symbol of knowledge, our government is focused on empowering Punjab’s youth through quality education, skill development and employment opportunities so they can build a prosperous future,” he added.
Kejriwal also recalled several initiatives undertaken by the Bhagwant Mann Government to honour religious and cultural traditions. He noted that Bhagwan Parshuram Jayanti was celebrated at the state level for the first time in 2025, while Hindu Nav Varsh was observed at the state level for the first time in Pathankot in April 2026.
He further stated that pending development works at Bhagwan Valmiki Ashram in Amritsar had been completed with an expenditure of more than ₹25 crore.
“Seeds of Hatred Can Never Grow on Punjab’s Soil”: CM Bhagwant Mann
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjab has always been known for communal harmony, brotherhood and mutual respect among different communities.
“Anything can flourish on Punjab’s fertile soil, but the seeds of hatred can never grow here. Our Gurus and saints have always taught us the values of peace, equality and unity. Punjabis celebrate every festival together, irrespective of religion or caste,” the Chief Minister said.
He described Lord Shiva as the embodiment of compassion, wisdom and kindness and said such spiritual programmes help strengthen social harmony while spreading positivity throughout society.
Equal Respect for All Religions
CM Mann emphasized that the Punjab Government is committed to giving equal respect to all faiths. He pointed out that the government had successfully organized a series of events to commemorate the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji and was now preparing to celebrate the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji on a grand scale.
“We are fortunate to receive the opportunity to organize such historic celebrations, and no effort will be spared to make them memorable,” he said.
Expansion of Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojna
Highlighting the success of the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojna, the Chief Minister said thousands of devotees have already benefited from free pilgrimages to religious destinations including Sri Harmandir Sahib, Sri Durgiana Mandir, Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Mata Naina Devi Ji.
He announced that the scheme would now be expanded to include Haridwar, Shri Khatu Shyam Ji Maharaj, Salasar Balaji Dham and several other prominent pilgrimage centres.
“The scheme is open to people of every caste, religion and income group. Pilgrims do not have to spend a single rupee to avail its benefits,” Mann said.
Tax Exemption for Vehicles Carrying Religious Scriptures
The Chief Minister also highlighted another major decision of the government aimed at respecting all faiths. He announced that specially designed vehicles used for carrying the Parkash of religious scriptures would now be exempted from Motor Vehicle Tax.
According to him, around 25,000 such vehicles operate across Punjab for religious ceremonies and events. Earlier, each vehicle had to pay nearly ₹10,000 annually under the Punjab Motor Vehicle Taxation Act, 1924. The exemption is expected to provide relief worth approximately ₹20–25 crore every year.
Call for Unity and a Drug-Free Punjab
Concluding his address, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann appealed to people to rise above caste, religion, region and political differences to strengthen Punjab’s social fabric.
He urged citizens to collectively fight social evils, support underprivileged sections of society and contribute towards building a prosperous, peaceful and drug-free Punjab.
Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora and Mohinder Bhagat, Advisor for Cultural Affairs Deepak Bali, along with several other dignitaries, were also present during the event.
