In a significant display of inter-state harmony and religious reverence, prominent political leaders including Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal, and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah participated in a historic 'nagar kirtan' in Srinagar on Wednesday. This religious procession forms a crucial part of the commemorative events marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur.
The Historic Procession Route and Schedule
The majestic nagar kirtan commenced from Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi in Srinagar with thousands of devotees participating in the sacred event. According to an official statement, the procession is scheduled to reach its final destination at Punjab's Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 22 after making important stops along the way.
The cavalcade will halt at Jammu on November 19, proceed to Pathankot on November 20, and reach Hoshiarpur on November 21 before the final convergence at Anandpur Sahib. The procession features an impressive assembly including vehicles for public announcement, Palki sahib (palanquin), panj pyaare (five beloved disciples), nagada (war drum), raagi (musician), digital museum, and countless devotees.
Leaders Pay Tribute to Guru's Legacy
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann described the occasion as "historic" as they commemorated the supreme sacrifice made by Guru Tegh Bahadur for humanity. Both Mann and Kejriwal emphasized that devotees were fortunate to participate in such historic events during their lifetime and called upon people to follow the path shown by the great Guru Sahib.
The AAP leaders highlighted that Guru Tegh Bahadur's universal message of peace, humanity, love, and brotherhood remains profoundly relevant in contemporary national and international scenarios. They urged people to embrace the ideology that serves as a unifying force, binding the entire country in an unbreakable social fabric.
Both leaders specifically reminded people about the Guru Sahib's unparalleled contribution to upholding secularism, safeguarding human rights, and ensuring religious freedom - principles for which he ultimately sacrificed his life.
Comprehensive Commemorative Events
The Punjab government has committed to paying a befitting tribute to the great Guru through elaborate arrangements across various states. The leaders expressed being deeply moved by the devotion and dedication displayed by the Sikh community in Jammu and Kashmir, while specially thanking Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for facilitating the successful organization of the Srinagar event.
The commemorative events began earlier from Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib on October 25, followed by a grand 'kirtan darbar' at Gurdwara Sri Rakab Ganj Sahib in Delhi. The observance will intensify with three additional nagar kirtans on November 20 originating from Takht Sri Damdama Sahib at Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda, Faridkot, and Gurdaspur.
All four nagar kirtans, including Wednesday's procession from Srinagar, will culminate at Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 22. The commemorative activities will continue with large-scale events scheduled at Sri Anandpur Sahib from November 23-25, ensuring a comprehensive tribute to the ninth Sikh guru's enduring legacy.
