In a profound display of faith and unity, thousands of devotees thronged the streets of Ludhiana on Friday to extend a heartfelt and emotional welcome to the grand Nagar Kirtan organised to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the ninth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji universally revered as Hind Di Chadar for his supreme sacrifice in defence of religious freedom and human dignity.
The sacred Nagar Kirtan, which commenced from Faridkot district on Thursday morning (November 20), entered Ludhiana via Jagraon around 1.30 am where prominent figures including Sant Baba Lakha Singh Ji, local MLA Sarvjit Kaur Manuke, Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain, and SSP (Rural) Dr Ankur Gupta paid obeisance and sought blessings.
The Ludhiana Rural Police accorded a ceremonial guard of honour to the Palki Sahib carrying Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, as devotees showered flower petals in reverence. It halted at Gurdwara Shri Dukh Niwaran Sahib for few hours.
On Friday around 10 am, the Nagar Kirtan resumed its journey from Gurdwara Sri Dukh Niwaran Sahib. The Commissionerate Police also presented a ceremonial guard of honour to the Palki Sahib. Dignitaries including MLAs Ashok Parashar Pappi and Madan Lal Bagga, Mayor Principal Inderjit Kaur, Senior Deputy Mayor Rakesh Parashar, Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain, MC Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal, SDM Jasleen Kaur Bhullar, and several others offered prayers and joined the Nagar Kirtan.
Led by the Panj Piaras, the Nagar Kirtan is traversing through Ludhiana and Fatehgarh Sahib districts before culminating at the holy city of Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 22. The main commemorative events for the 350th Shahidi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji will be held there from November 23 to 25, under elaborate arrangements by the Punjab government.
Speaking on the occasion, MLAs Sarvjit Kaur Manuke, Ashok Parashar Pappi, and Madan Lal Bagga and others described the moment as truly historic. "We are immensely blessed to witness the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the great Guru, who laid down his life to protect religious freedom and human dignity for people of all faiths," they said.
"Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji illuminated the path of courage, truth, and universal brotherhood for humanity. The youth of today must embrace his timeless values of kindness, honesty, and selfless service." They highlighted that the Punjab government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is organising a series of landmark events across the state to honour the Guru's life, teachings, and ultimate sacrifice.
Extensive preparations have been made at Sri Anandpur Sahib to accommodate the lakhs of expected devotees at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience. "This is an occasion of profound pride for every Punjabi," they added, urging people from all walks of life to participate and pay tribute to the great martyr.
Throughout the route, streets were adorned with vibrant floral decorations. Devotees enthusiastically set up welcome stalls and served langar with utmost devotion. The environment in Ludhiana resonated with religious fervour as people of all ages chanted "Satnam Waheguru" and "Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal."