Massive Commemorative Event in Navi Mumbai for Guru Tegh Bahadur's 350th Martyrdom Year
Navi Mumbai is set to host a grand two-day event this weekend to mark the 350th martyrdom year of Guru Tegh Bahadur, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah attending a mass commemorative programme in Kharghar on Sunday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join the event virtually, adding national significance to the occasion.
High-Profile Attendees and Expected Crowd
The event, beginning Saturday, will see the participation of several chief ministers, including those from Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat. Three governors, former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai, yoga guru Ramdev, and spiritual leader Dhiren Shastri are also expected to attend. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar will be present on both days.
Vijay Suryavanshi, Konkan divisional commissioner, stated that over 20 lakh devotees from across the country are anticipated to turn up for the event, making it one of the largest gatherings in recent times.
Event Activities and Community Participation
The two-day programme will feature a rich array of activities, including:
- Spiritual discourses, jagrans, and kirtans
- Presentations and community dialogues
- An exhibition showcasing historical records, books, and literature
- Traditional sword-fighting demonstrations
Event coordinator Rameshwar Naik highlighted that members of various communities, such as Sikh, Sikligar, Banjara, Labana, Mohyal, and Sindhi, are expected to attend, fostering inter-community harmony.
Infrastructure and Preparations
To accommodate the massive influx of devotees, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation is installing over 1,000 mobile toilets and arranging seating for thousands. Healthcare facilities will be available on-site to ensure visitor safety. The Navi Mumbai and Panvel civic bodies, along with the Konkan divisional commissionerate, are working tirelessly to ensure the event's success.
Prelude Event and Historical Significance
As a prelude to the main event, a nagar kirtan will be organised on Friday, with about 50,000 participants expected to march from Belapur to Kharghar. Naik emphasized that the objective of the event is to educate the younger generation about the historical significance of Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom and its connection to constitutional values, religious freedom, equality, and justice.
This commemorative event not only honors a revered spiritual figure but also promotes national unity and cultural heritage, drawing attention from across India.
