Dhuri (Sangrur), 23 November 2025: To develop villages and towns associated with Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday distributed ₹71 crore in grants covering 142 settlements across the state. The initiative coincides with celebrations of the ninth Sikh Guru’s 350th martyrdom day.
At the ceremony, Mann said the government’s work is a modest tribute to the Guru’s enduring legacy. “We are fortunate to take part in these historic events. Akal Purakh has blessed the Punjab government to serve this noble cause, and we will leave no shortcoming in fulfilling it,” he said.
The funds are intended to strengthen infrastructure, improve facilities for devotees, and enhance access to the holy sites. Mann called the initiative a historic step in ensuring better amenities for the congregation while preserving the sanctity of these villages and towns.
During the event, Mann encouraged the public to join ongoing Nagar Kirtans traveling from Srinagar, Faridkot, Gurdaspur, and Talwandi Sabo, converging in Sri Anandpur Sahib. He outlined extensive arrangements, including tents, langar facilities, digital museums, and other logistical support to accommodate the large number of devotees.
Mann also outlined the full schedule of commemorative events, noting that programs began on 25 October with Kirtan Darbars in Delhi, continued with light and sound shows across Punjab from 1 to 18 November, and will culminate in Sri Anandpur Sahib from 23 to 25 November. Activities include exhibitions, drone shows, an interfaith conference, a special Punjab Assembly session, state-level blood donation camps, large-scale plantation drives, and the ‘Sarbat Da Bhala Ekatta’ gathering.
He stressed that Guru Sahib Ji’s message of humanity, peace, and universal brotherhood is as relevant today as it was in his time, urging both national and international devotees to participate in the celebrations.
