Punjab Newsline, Punjab
Punjab Marks 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur with Grand Celebrations
Punjab Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has described the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur as an exceptionally significant day for the state and the Sikh community. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to commemorate this historic occasion and highlighted the detailed plans undertaken by the Punjab Government to honour the revered Guru’s supreme sacrifice.
Cheema informed that the commemorative Kirtan for the 350th anniversary began in Srinagar, marking the formal start of a series of statewide events. He stated that all cabinet ministers, including Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party National Convener Arvind Kejriwal, have reached the venue to participate in the celebrations. As part of the three-day programme, the Punjab Government will also hold a special session of the Legislative Assembly at Anandpur Sahib, a place deeply associated with Sikh history and the legacy of the Gurus.
“Today, the kirtan for the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur began in Srinagar. Tomorrow morning, the Nagar Kirtan will start here. Punjab’s Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, our National Convener Arvind Kejriwal, and the entire cabinet have arrived. A three-day gathering will take place, and on the 23rd, 24th, and 25th, the Akhand Path Sahib will be recited. During this period, we have decided to conduct the Punjab Legislative Assembly session on the sacred land of Anandpur Sahib. I believe this is a very important day, and we feel honoured to have been given the responsibility to celebrate it,” Cheema told reporters.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal attended a “Kirtan Darbar” at Gurdwara Chatti Patshahi in Srinagar, where members of the Punjab Cabinet were also present. Speaking at the event, Kejriwal said that the Punjab Government is organising major functions at Anandpur Sahib to mark the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur, inviting people across the world to join.
“More and more people should participate and honour his supreme martyrdom. I consider myself truly fortunate to come to such a holy place. To initiate the Yatra that begins for Anandpur Sahib tomorrow, I am here with Mann Sahib. I feel blessed to be part of this,” Kejriwal said.
Guru Tegh Bahadur, born in 1621 in Amritsar to Guru Hargobind and Mata Nanki, is remembered for his profound spiritual teachings and his ultimate sacrifice to protect religious freedom and human dignity. The 350th anniversary celebrations pay tribute to his enduring legacy and the values he upheld for humanity.