At the historic site of Chapparchiri, Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian attended a grand function organized to commemorate the legacy of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. The massive Fateh March received a warm and enthusiastic welcome under the leadership of Harinder Singh Hans and Advocate Buta Singh Bairagi.
Participants were greeted with garlands, showers of flowers, distribution of laddoos, and loud slogans of victory at Chapparchiri. The Fateh March, which commenced from Rakba Bhawan to Chapparchiri, was led by Foundation International President Krishan Kumar Bawa along with Fateh March Incharge Iqbal Singh Gill, Convener Jaswant Singh Chhapa, Patron Malkiat Singh Dakha, Foundation Secretary Sonia Arora and Co-Convener Taranjit Singh Nimana. Nihang leader Balwinder Singh Tarna also joined the march with Nihang Singh forces, horses, and the sacred palki service from Gurdas Nangal Garhi, continuing an annual tradition.
The event witnessed vibrant cultural and martial performances. Nihang Singhs displayed Gatka skills, while Dhadi Jatha led by Baldev Singh sang heroic ballads narrating the bravery of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. Horse-riding stunts further added to the celebrations.
The march was flagged off from Rakba Bhawan by renowned philanthropist S. P. Singh Oberoi in the presence of saints and dignitaries. Addressing the gathering, Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian appreciated the efforts of Krishan Kumar Bawa and the Foundation for keeping alive the glorious legacy of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur.
He stated that four significant dates associated with Baba Ji October 16 (Birth Anniversary), December 3 (Milap Day), May 12 (Sirhind Victory Day), and June 9 (Martyrdom Day) — should be observed by all Punjabis. He also appealed to people to celebrate Sirhind Fateh Divas by displaying Baba Ji’s portraits in every home and lighting lamps on May 14.
The Minister highlighted that Baba Banda Singh Bahadur empowered the common people by making farmers owners of land and laid the foundation of the first Sikh people's rule. He also recalled the appointment of Baj Singh as the Governor of Sirhind after the historic victory.
During the event, 11 distinguished personalities were honoured with the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Memorial Award. Those honoured included world-renowned artist R. M. Singh, Baba Bhupinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh Bill, Jora Singh, Harinder Singh Hans, Iqbal Singh Gill, Billa, Rajinder Singh Kurali, Kulwinder Singh, Advocate Buta Singh Bairagi and Harpreet Singh Bunty.
Among others present on the occasion were Kamaldeep Kaur, former Sarpanch Rajveer Kaur and Surinder Singh. In his concluding remarks, Krishan Kumar Bawa thanked all participants and urged the Punjab Government to declare a public holiday on June 9 every year to mark the martyrdom day of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur.