:dateline:A large scale program was held at Sri Anandpur Sahib to mark the 350th foundation anniversary�of the holy city. �On Thursday, bhog ceremony of Sri Akhand Path Sahib was held at Gurudwara Bhora Sahib. Later, Gurmat Samagam (religious congregation) was organized as inaugural function at Dashmesh Diwan Hall of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib.
Earlier known as Makhowal, the town was founded by Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib. The foundation was laid on June 19, 1665. On the occasion of Vaisakhi in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh created �Panj Piare� at this place, marking the birth of the Khalsa.
The SGPC has constituted a committee to celebrate the town’s 350th anniversary. �Addressing Sikh Sangat in the Samagam, Giani Gurbachan Singh, appointed Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, said, �Marking the 350th anniversary of the sacred town, all Sikhs should be proud of their religious heritage, and by taking Amrit from Panj Pyaras (five beloveds of Guru), they should initiate into the Khalsa fold, so that trend of cutting hairs and drug menace could be curbed.”
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Avtar Makkar said that during the year long celebrations, special efforts would be made to spread Sikhi. He said SGPC would plant 350,000�trees across the state to ensure clean and green environment. Besides large number of Sikh Sangat, various Sikh personalities and SGPC office bearers attended the inaugural function.
