Sunday morning marked various programs in the city to celebrate 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. A cycle rally, cultural programs, plantation drive, live painting, kavishri, shabad gayan and candle march were organized to celebrate the Birth Anniversary.The cycle rally was flagged off by the Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Badal who also later attended the programs held at the Rose Garden and other parts of the city throughout the day.In Around 1000 cyclists -including the students, youth and elderly participated in the cycle rally which was flagged off by Finance Minister in the wee hours on Sunday. "The cycle rally is organized to encourage people to use bicycle for health benefits and to save environment,"The Finance Minister said that Guru's teachings are of immense value and great help for the masses. He appreciated the participation of Bathinda Cycling Group members who also participated in the rally. Deputy Commissioner Mr. B Srinivasan was also present during the cycle rally and also attended the function in Rose Garden.
Later at Rose Garden a plantation drive was launched wherein saplings were planted in Jogger's Park and later cultural programs including Shabad Gayan, Kavishri, band -played by Sikh Regiment, Malwai Giddha and Live Painting were organized to further spread the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.A group of children from Deaf & Dumb School, Children Home and elderly from Senior Citizen Home, people from Lepers Colony (Kusht Ashram) planted different saplings along with the Finance Minister, senior leaders and officers from the district administration.Special care and efforts were made by the district administration and Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation for the four infants who were also brought from Anant Ashram (Nathana) to Rose Garden. These infants were recently found in the Panghura on Goniana Road near Deaf & Dumb School. Their names were also mentioned in front of the saplings planted. later in the evening, Finance Minister also distributed certificate to the children to participated in painting competition.All the children were given special attention and care at the official residence of Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation Vikramjit Singh Shergill during their participation in the programs.