Punjab holds a massive ‘Sarbat Da Bhala Ikattarta’ event to honour Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s 350th martyrdom, with leaders highlighting his unparalleled sacrifice.
To celebrate the 350th anniversary of the Ninth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji’s martyrdom, the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, organized a huge “Sarbat Da Bhala Ikattarta” (Gathering for the Welfare of All). Senior officials spoke to the crowd, honoring the Guru Sahib ji’s ultimate sacrifice and outlining the government’s preparations for this momentous occasion.
Aman Arora, the cabinet minister and president of AAP Punjab, spoke to the crowd and emphasized the exceptional and one-of-a-kind character of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji’s martyrdom. Noting the great historical significance of a religious leader giving his life to defend the faith of others, he referred to the 9th Guru as “Hind Di Chadar” (Shield of India).
According to Mr. Arora, who described the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the martyrdom, “It was the first time in history a child told his father the nation needed his sacrifice; the first time a martyr walked to the executioner himself.”
He gave a somber homage to the Guru’s martyred companions, Bhai Mati Das Ji (sawn alive), Bhai Sati Das Ji (burned alive), and Bhai Dyala Ji (boiled alive). He further emphasized the special situation in which the Guru’s Dhar (revered body) and Sis (revered head) were burned in separate places. The main goal of this year-long event, according to Aman Arora, is to introduce the younger generation to the ideology, life, and ultimate sacrifice of the Guru.
The event has been garnering international acclaim because of the dedication of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and National Convener Arvind Kejriwal, according to Punjab Information and Public Relations Minister and Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains.
S. Bains described important development projects, such as painting the holy city white, to demonstrate the scope of preparations. In addition, he mentioned the establishment of Heritage Street. Additionally, he said that a new corridor will be built to connect Gurdwara Kesgarh Sahib with Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib.
S. Bains emphasized inclusivity by stating that invitations were sent to the heads of the opposition parties and the chief ministers of each state.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had put “no constraint on budget” for this state-level celebration, enabling the tourism department to make sure the event is genuinely historic, said Tourism Minister Tarunpreet Sondh, underscoring the government’s dedication to the event.
On behalf of AAP Supremo Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, and the whole AAP leadership, including cabinet ministers, MLAs, and volunteers, Member of Parliament Malvinder Singh Kang had earlier welcomed the guests. For the chance to bow before the Ninth Guru Sahib and his courageous comrades, he thanked the Almighty and the saints. The government and party volunteers have been working hard to provide comfortable service for all devotees coming to seek blessings, Kang assured the Sangat.
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Under the direction of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the leaders united to ask for blessings to carry on serving the land of the Gurus.
Other notable figures in attendance included Jathedar Baba Balbir Singh, the leader of the Nihang Singh group 96 Crore Budha Dal, Punjab Finance Minister Adv Harpal Singh Cheema, Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal, PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, Forest Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian, MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, former Cabinet Minister & AAP Spokesperson Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, and Advisor Tourism Deepak Bali.