Martyrdom Festival Concludes at Fatehgarh Sahib; Giani Harpreet Singh Faces Protest

CHANDIGARH, Punjab—The 314th annual martyrdom festival commemorated to the martyrdom of Chhote Sahibzaades (younger sons) Baba Jorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh got concluded in Fatehgarh Sahib on December 28. More than a million devotees from all over the world paid obeisance at the historic shrine Gurdwara Jyoti Saroop Sahib during these three days of martyrdom festival.  

A religious procession was taken out from Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib to Gurdwara Jyoti Saroop Sahib under the leadership of Punj Piares (the five beloved ones of Guru Sahib) on this occasion. Students of various schools, Kirtani Jathas, Sukhmani Sahib Sewa Societies and Gatka parties enthusiastically participated in this religious procession. Gatka parties grabbed the attraction of common masses by manifesting their skills in this martial art taught by Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

SGPC appointed acting Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh, Head Granthi of Sri Harmandir Sahib Giani Jagtar Singh, SGPC chief Gobind Singh Longowal, Damdami Taksal chief Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma, Baba Balbir Singh of Budha Dal and Nihal Singh Harianvelan of Tarna Dal also attended this religious procession.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that the SGPC appointed acting Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh faced a protest by the Sikhs as soon as he started addressing the gathering. He called upon the Sikhs to wage a war against drugs and female infanticide in his speech.