On October 25, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the events for 350th Martyrdom year of Guru Tegh Bahadur ji will commence with Ardas at Sees Ganj Gurdwara Sahib: Harjot Bains

Chandigarh(The Uttam Hindu): Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Harjot Singh Bains today announced the detailed program for the historic commemoration of the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru, revered as Hind Di Chadar for his supreme sacrifice to protect faith, human rights, and religious freedom.

Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Harjot Singh, accompanied by Department of Cultural and Tourism Affairs Advisor Deepak Bali, briefed the media about preparations after a meeting with a panel of religious experts, including Padma Shri Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal (MP Rajya Sabha), Sant Baba Sewa Singh Ji, Bhupinder Singh Ji, Sant Avtar Singh Ji, Sant Satnam Singh Ji, Dr Jasbir Kaur (Principal, Gurmat College Patiala), and S. Simerjeet Singh Kang (Retd. Secretary, SGPC Dharam Prachar Vibhag). The panel provided guidance to ensure that the commemorations reflect Sikh maryada, spiritual sanctity, and historical accuracy.

“Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji gave the ultimate sacrifice for the protection of dharma and humanity. His message of courage, sacrifice, and religious freedom is an eternal light for mankind. With the blessings of Guru Sahib and guidance of saints and scholars, Punjab Government is fully committed to commemorate this occasion with devotion, dignity, and grandeur,” Bains said.

On 25 October, Ardas will be held at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, Delhi, followed by an evening Kirtan Darbar at Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib. Dignitaries led by Hon'ble CM, Punjab will pay Obeisance there as well.

On 18 November, a Kirtan Samagam will take place at Gurdwara Chhathi Patshahi, Srinagar, followed by a Nagar Kirtan from the shrine on 19 November.

Beginning 19 November, four historic Nagar Kirtans will commence from different regions and converge at Sri Anandpur Sahib on 22 November.

Main Samagams at Sri Anandpur Sahib (23–25 November) - 23 November: Arambh of Sri Akhand Path Sahib, Sarv Dharam Sammelan bringing together leaders of all faiths, Punjab’s first-ever drone show on Guru Sahib’s life and martyrdom.

24 November: Special exhibitions at Virasat-e-Khalsa. A historic Punjab Vidhan Sabha session proposed to be held at Sri Anandpur Sahib. Drone show, Mashaal Lighting and Kirtan Darbar.

25 November: Bhog of Sri Akhand Path Sahib. Gurbani Kirtan. Sarbat da Bhala Ikattarta. Statewide blood donation camps and plantation of 3.5 lakh saplings across Punjab. Launch of a mass organ donation pledge campaign by the Health Department.

Drone show and Mashaal lighting ceremonies in Amritsar, Baba Bakala, Anandpur Sahib, and Patiala.

Other Key Initiatives to commemoration of 350th years of Martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji - On 5 October, CM Bhagwant Mann will lay the foundation stone of a Heritage Street at Sri Anandpur Sahib. A world-class Tent City will be set up at Sri Anandpur Sahib from 19–30 November to host devotees from across the globe.

The commemorations will also coincide with the 300th Gurta Gaddi Diwas of Guru Gobind Singh Ji on 23 November.

Bains stressed that lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad are expected to participate, with estimates suggesting over one crore pilgrims will visit Sri Anandpur Sahib during the three-day Samagams.

"With the blessings of Guru Sahib and the support of the Sangat, saints, and religious institutions, Punjab will honor the legacy of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and pay tribute to his sacrifice for religion and humanity,” Bains added.