CM BHAGWANT MANN, ARVIND KEJRIWAL AND J&K CM OMAR ABDULLAH JOIN SANGAT IN NAGAR KIRTAN FROM SRINAGAR

Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir) (The Uttam Hindu): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and National Convener of AAP Arvind Kejriwal along with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah participated in the Nagar Kirtan as a part of the commemorative events to mark 350th martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji.

The nagar Kirtan which started from Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi here today will reach Gurdwara Shri Sis Ganj Sahib, Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 22 after halting at Jammu (November 19), Pathankot (November 20) and Hoshiarpur (November 21). The magnificent nagar kirtan comprising a huge cavalcade of vehicles including that for Public Announcement, gatka, perfume, shahadat-e-loh, Palki sahib, panj pyaare, panj nischaanchi, nagada, raagi and sound, digital museum, langar, storage, sangat (bus and car), ambulance, crew, recovery and others will complete the yatra upto Sri Anandpur Sahib in four days. Thousands of devotees imbued in religious fervor are participating in this Nagar Kirtan to mark the sacred occasion.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister and National Convener of AAP said that it was a historic occasion as all of us were commemorating the 350th martyrdom day of the ninth Sikh Guru, who made supreme sacrifice for humanity. They said that all of us were very fortunate to have got the chance to be part of these historic events during our lifetime. Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Almighty had bestowed his bountiful blessings on the state government to accomplish this gigantic task and no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause.

The Chief Minister and National Convener of AAP called upon the people to follow the path shown by great Guru Sahib to the entire humanity. They said that the Punjab government was committed to observe this sacred occasion in an unsurpassed and befitting manner. Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Guru ji’s universal message of peace, humanity, love and brotherhood continued to be relevant even in the contemporary national and international scenario.

The Chief Minister and National Convener of AAP exhorted people to imbue the Guru’s ideology, which had emerged as a unifying force binding the entire country in an unbreakable social fabric. They reminded the people about Guru ji’s unparalleled contribution to upholding the age-old traditions of secularism, besides safeguarding human rights and ensuring religious freedom, for which he sacrificed his own life. Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has made elaborate arrangements to ensure that a befitting tribute was paid to great Guru sahib on this sacred occasion.

The Chief Minister and National Convener of AAP further said that they were greatly moved by the devotion and dedication displayed in this regard by the Sikh community in Jammu and Kashmir. They specially thanked the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Umar Abdullah for making this historic event a reality. Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it was indeed a proud moment for the entire Sikh community and our brethren in Jammu and Kashmir, who deserve our special thanks and felicitations for this.

The Chief Minister and National Convener of AAP also placed on record the gratitude to the Jammu and Kashmir government and Sikh sangat personally on behalf of the Punjab Government and Punjabis for making this possible. They said that to commemorate Guru Sahib’s martyrdom day, the Punjab Government is organizing events across various states. Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Singh Mann said that events begin from Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib on October 25 and a grand Kirtan Darbar was organized at Gurdwara Sri Rakab Ganj Sahib.

The Chief Minister and National Convener of AAP said that from November 1 to November 18, light-and-sound shows took place across all districts of Punjab, showcasing the life and philosophy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Similarly, they said that Kirtan darbars are being organized in towns and cities sanctified by Guru sahib’s visits and on November 18 (Tuesday), a Kirtan Darbar was organized in Srinagar. Likewise, Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Singh Mann said that today this Nagar Kirtan has started from this land which will culminate at Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 22.

The Chief Minister and National Convener of AAP said that on November 20, three Nagar Kirtans will be organized from Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo), Faridkot, and Gurdaspur adding that all these four nagar kirtans will culminate at Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 22. Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Singh Mann said that from November 23 to 25, large-scale events will take place at Sri Anandpur Sahib. They said that a “Tent City,” named “Chakk Nanaki,” is being set up at the holy city for the accommodation of thousands of pilgrims arriving in large numbers.

Likewise, The Chief Minister and National Convener of AAP said that an interfaith conference will be held, along with exhibitions and drone shows illuminating Guru Sahib’s life and message. Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Singh Mann said that on November 24, a special session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly will take place at Sri Anandpur Sahib, where prominent personalities will share reflections on the Guru ji’s life, philosophy, and his sacrifice for religious freedom and human rights. They said that on November 25, statewide blood donation camps will be held, alongside a large-scale plantation drive by the Forest Department and a massive “Sarbat da Bhala Ikkatarta” in which several eminent personalities will participate.

The Chief Minister and National Convener of AAP further informed that for this sacred 350th martyrdom day commemoration, spiritual leaders and saints from across the globe have been consulted and have been invited to participate in these events. They said that the Punjab Government feels truly privileged to have been entrusted with the honor of organizing these historic commemorations during its tenure. Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Singh Mann appealed to devotees and Sikh Sangat across India and abroad to participate wholeheartedly in these events.

On the occasion, Sant Baba Sewa Singh Ji Rampur Khera Wale, Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi Local Committee President Jaspal Singh and Secretary Gurmeit Singh were also present.

Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha Kultar Singh Sandwan, Cabinet Ministers Harpal Singh Cheema, Aman Arora, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, Dr. Baljit Kaur, Lal Chand Kataruchakk, Harbhajan Singh ETO, Barinder Kumar Goyal, Dr. Ravjot and Hardeep Singh Mundian, Member Parliament Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer and Malwinder Singh Kang, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Principal Secretary to CM Dr Ravi Bhagat and others.