New Delhi/Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday invited President Droupadi Murmu to attend the state-level events commemorating the 350th martyrdom day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji at the sacred city of Sri Anandpur Sahib.
During a meeting at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Mann requested the President to grace the grand ceremonies marking this historic occasion. He shared that a detailed schedule of the events had been presented to her and the final modalities for her visit would soon be finalized.
The Chief Minister informed the President that the Punjab government has planned an elaborate series of commemorative programs across the state to honor the unparalleled sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, revered as the “Hind Di Chadar” (Protector of India). He said the events would be conducted with deep reverence and would primarily take place at Sri Anandpur Sahib under the state government’s aegis.
Mann said the celebrations commenced on Saturday with an Ardas at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, followed by a grand Kirtan Darbar at Gurdwara Sri Rakab Ganj Sahib in New Delhi. From November 1 to 18, light-and-sound shows depicting the life and philosophy of the Guru will be held across all districts of Punjab. Additionally, Kirtan Darbars will be organized in towns sanctified by the Guru’s visits.
On November 18, a Kirtan Darbar will be held in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, followed by a Nagar Kirtan the next day, in which hundreds of Kashmiri Pandits are expected to participate. On November 20, three Nagar Kirtans will begin from Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo), Faridkot, and Gurdaspur, with all four processions converging at Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 22.
The concluding ceremonies will take place from November 23 to 25 at Sri Anandpur Sahib, featuring massive gatherings and spiritual programs. A “Tent City” named “Chakk Nanaki” will be established to accommodate thousands of devotees. The events will also include an interfaith conference, exhibitions, and drone shows portraying Guru Sahib’s teachings and sacrifices.
On November 24, a special session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly will be held at Sri Anandpur Sahib, where eminent figures will reflect on the Guru’s message of religious tolerance, peace, and human rights.
