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 Mr. Deepak Bali, addressed a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan on Monday evening.
S. Bains and Mr. 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. Punjab government is committed to ensuring that the light of this supreme sacrifice reaches every corner of Punjab and resonates across the country, inspiring generations to come.
Highlighting the multifaceted commemorations, S. Harjot Singh Bains announced that the Martyrdom Anniversary programs would commence on November 4 across Punjab. The events are designed to engage citizens of all ages, with a special focus on youth and students. He further informed that a mandatory 15-day educational module would be introduced in all Punjab schools, from nursery to Class XII, starting from November 10.
During the morning assembly, a 10-12 minute pre-recorded recitation would be played, detailing Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's life, martyrdom, and the creation of the Khalsa Panth. This initiative aims to educate children about this pivotal moment in history. Additionally, all universities, colleges, ITIs, and polytechnics - both government and private - have been directed to organise seminars and 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, highlighting Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's life and sacrifice, will be held in all districts, starting with Patiala, Jalandhar, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Pathankot on November 4th, followed by other districts.
Sharing a details about the four Nagar Kirtans to be commenced from different parts of the country, the Education Minister said that one Nagar Kirtan will begin from Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir), on November 19 from Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Aam Aadmi Party’s National Convenor Mr. Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir Mr. Umar Abdullah, all the cabinet ministers of Punjab and MLAs will attend the Nagar Kirtan, while 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. S. Harjot Singh Bains said the concluding ceremonies of the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary would be held in the Holy city of Sri Anandpur Sahib, founded by Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, from November 23 to 25.
Highlighting the significance of the occasion, he said that the events will commence on November 23 with the Akhand Path Sahib at 10am, followed by Sarb Dharam Sammelan, an exhibition at Virasat-e-Khalsa, a first ever drone show depicting Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s life and supreme sacrifice at 5pm, and a Kirtan Darbar at 6pm. The day will culminate with "Shahaadat di Lo" that will be illuminated the holy city with the lighting of torches (Mashals).
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, the Bhog of Akhand Path Sahib will be followed by recitals of hymns of 9th Guru Sahib by renowned Kirtani Jathas.
He further informed that a major interfaith conference, "Sarb Dharam Sammelan" would bring together spiritual leaders from diverse faiths. Invitations are being extended to prominent religious figures, including Jathedars of the five Takhts, SGPC President, Head Granthi of Sri Darbar Sahib, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Sh. Lokesh Muni Ji, 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 for three days (November 23 to 25), showcasing 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.
S. 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' with a capacity for over 11,000 visitors daily from November 19 to 30. Additionally, over 106 acres of dedicated parking lots are being developed at 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. Furthermore, special free bus services will be launched from every tehsil in Punjab to Sri Anandpur Sahib from November 23rd to 25th, ensuring a smooth journey for Sangat.
With a warm invitation, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said, "On behalf of the Punjab Government, I invite the Sangat to unite to pay homage to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's life and legacy, which stand as a beacon of hope for humanity.”