Chandigarh, October 11 — The Punjab government has announced a series of religious and cultural programmes to mark the 350th martyrdom day of the ninth Sikh master, Guru Tegh Bahadur, in November. Preparations were reviewed on Friday by Cabinet Ministers Harjot Singh Bains, Harbhajan Singh ETO, Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, and Tourism Advisor Deepak Bali in a meeting with Baba Kashmir Singh Bhuriwale, legislators, and district officials.
Speaking to the media, Harjot Singh Bains said special events, including Kirtan Darbars, light-and-sound shows, and other devotional programmes, would be organised at key sites such as Amritsar and Baba Bakala Sahib, where Guru Sahib spent a significant part of his life.
“A Nagar Kirtan will commence from Gurdaspur on November 20, halt at Amritsar, and proceed via Tarn Taran to Jalandhar. Baba Kashmir Singh Bhuriwale will oversee the procession, assisted by the administration and volunteers,” Bains added.
The celebrations will also feature Nagar Kirtans originating from Delhi’s Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, as well as from the Srinagar, Malwa, and Majha regions, all converging at Sri Anandpur Sahib for a grand finale.
Harbhajan Singh ETO directed officials to ensure cleanliness and smooth arrangements along the Nagar Kirtan route, covering Mehta Chowk, Baba Bakala Sahib, Jandiala Guru, Amritsar, and Tarn Taran. Tarunpreet Singh Sondh noted that local bodies, panchayats, and institutions would welcome the procession with reverence and flower showers.
At Anandpur Sahib, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann will inaugurate a digital exhibition at Virasat-e-Khalsa, showcasing Guru Sahib’s supreme sacrifice. Interfaith conferences, seminars, and a special session of the Punjab Assembly are scheduled for November 24.
The celebrations across districts will also include traditional Nihang Singh displays, Kavi Darbars, Dhadhi-Kavishri programmes, and light-and-sound and drone shows. On the evening of November 25, government buildings will be illuminated in tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur.
