AMRITSAR SAHIB, Punjab: Celebrations of 400th Parkash Gurpurb (birth anniversary) of Ninth Guru Sri Guru Tegh Bahadar Sahib begins here with Sikh traditions and religious farvour on Thursday (April 29) with initiation of Akhand Path Sahib at Gurdwara Guru Ke Mehal, birthplace of Guru Sahib, and holding of religious functions at Gurdwara Manji Sahib Diwan Hall in complex of Sri Darbar Sahib here.
During the first day’s events, the bhog (culmination) of 20,000 Sehaj Paths were held jointly by the sangat. Due to Covid-19, the events have been held symbolically. Some sangat participated in the bhog of Sehaj Paths at Gurdwara Sri Manji Sahib, while others joined in the same through various channels. The sangat that held bhog of 20,000 Sehaj Paths belong to different countries, which was inspired by the SGPC in association with Sri Sehaj Path Sewa Lehar organisation.
The SGPC officials said, “Nagar Kirtan will be decorated and carried out from Sri Akal Takht Sahib to Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal on April 30 as part of the celebrations in connection with the celebrations. This Nagar Kirtan will start at 12 noon. Apart from this Gurmat event will also continue at Gurdwara Manji Sahib Diwan Hall”.
On the centenary day, bhog of Sri Akhand Path Sahib will be held on May 1 at Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal and a function will be held at Diwan Hall Gurdwara Sri Manji Sahib.
SGPC president Jagir Kaur said that the centenary celebrations were being held in a symbolic manner due to Covid-19. She said that live coverage has been arranged on various channels to connect the sangat with the centenary celebrations. She said that although in view of the present Covid-19 situation large-scale events could not be held. She said but the devotion of the sangat is of the utmost importance. The sangat which want to pay homage to Guru Sahib should not be stopped and the government should also consider giving one-day relaxation from lockdown, said she.
Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal has been illuminated with beautiful lamps by the SGPC on the historic occasion and the decoration of various types of flowers has also charmed the minds of the sangat. On this occasion, decorative gates and kesri flags have also been placed in the city. At Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal, different langars have been set up by the SGPC and Kar Sewa Samprada for the sangat. Bhora Sahib at Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal has also been given a beautiful look on this historic occasion.
A special Kavi Darbar was organized at Gurdwara Sri Manji Sahib Diwan Hall to mark the centenary. On this occasion Panthik poets introduced the history of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib to the sangat through their poems
