Four Nagar Kirtans to Converge at Anandpur Sahib
Punjab to Hold Statewide Commemorations for 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji; Free Services
To honour the eternal legacy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, the Punjab Government has announced a series of statewide commemorations marking the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of the Ninth Sikh Guru. The commemorations aim to propagate Guru Sahib’s universal message of sacrifice, righteousness, and freedom of faith.
Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan on Monday evening, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains and Advisor to the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department Deepak Bali said the government is committed to spreading the light of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s supreme sacrifice across Punjab and beyond, inspiring future generations.
“The sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was not for any single faith but for the dignity and fundamental rights of all humanity,” Bains said.
Educational Initiatives in Schools and Colleges
As part of the commemorations, the Education Minister announced that a mandatory 15-day educational module will be introduced in all Punjab schools from November 10. The module, covering nursery to Class XII, will include a 10–12 minute pre-recorded recitation played during morning assemblies, narrating Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s life, martyrdom, and the creation of the Khalsa Panth.
All universities, colleges, ITIs, and polytechnics, both government and private, have also been directed to hold seminars and commemorative events, with institutions showing enthusiastic participation.
Light and Sound Shows Across Punjab
Bains also announced that a 45-minute Light and Sound show depicting Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s life and sacrifice will be staged across all districts, starting from Patiala, Jalandhar, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Pathankot on November 4.
Four Nagar Kirtans to Converge at Anandpur Sahib
Highlighting another major initiative, the minister shared details of four ‘Nagar Kirtans’ beginning from different parts of the country. The first will commence from Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir) on November 19 from Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi. It will be attended by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Punjab cabinet ministers. The other Nagar Kirtans will begin from Faridkot, Bathinda, and Gurdaspur, all converging at Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 22.
All Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, and officials will serve as ‘Sewadars’ during these processions, he added.
Grand Concluding Ceremonies at Anandpur Sahib
The concluding ceremonies will take place in Sri Anandpur Sahib, the city founded by Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, from November 23 to 25.
The celebrations will begin with Akhand Path Sahib at 10 a.m. on November 23, followed by a Sarb Dharam Sammelan, an exhibition at ‘Virasat-e-Khalsa’, a drone show at 5 p.m., and a Kirtan Darbar at 6 p.m.
The evening will culminate with “Shahaadat di Lo”, where the holy city will be illuminated with torches (Mashals).
On November 24, a Nagar Kirtan titled ‘Sis Bhet’ will be held from Sri Kiratpur Sahib to Sri Anandpur Sahib, followed by a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha at Bhai Jaita Ji Memorial — the first of its kind — from 12 noon to 4 p.m.
The session, scheduled from 12 noon to 4 pm, would serve as a tribute to the revered Ninth Guru Sahib.
The ceremonies will conclude on November 25 with the ‘Bhog’ of Akhand Path Sahib and recitations by renowned Kirtani Jathas.
Interfaith Sammelan and Drone Show
A special Sarb Dharam Sammelan (Interfaith Conference) will bring together spiritual leaders from diverse faiths.
Invitations are being extended to prominent religious figures, including Jathedars of the five Takhts, SGPC President, Head Granthi of Sri Darbar Sahib, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Sh. Lokesh Muni Ji, to highlight Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's universal message of unity and harmony, the minister said.
A 500-drone light show, the first of its kind in North India, will illuminate the skies over Virasat-e-Khalsa from November 23 to 25, showcasing Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s life and supreme sacrifice.
Arrangements for Devotees: Large parking areas, large Tent Cities, & free rides
Expecting nearly one crore devotees from across the world, the Punjab Government is setting up three large ‘Tent Cities’ capable of accommodating over 11,000 visitors daily from November 19 to 30. More than 106 acres of parking are being developed along approach routes to Sri Anandpur Sahib.
To facilitate transportation, the government will operate 500 e-rickshaws and 100 mini-buses within the city, offering free rides. Additionally, free bus services will run from every tehsil in Punjab to Sri Anandpur Sahib from November 23 to 25.
Concluding the announcement, Minister Harjot Singh Bains extended a heartfelt invitation to the public, saying, "On behalf of the Punjab Government, I invite the Sangat to unite to pay homage to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's life and legacy, which stand as a beacon of hope for humanity.”
