Akali Dal Announces Free Pilgrimage to Sri Nankana Sahib and Sri Panja Sahib

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has vowed to ensure free pilgrimage to Sri Nankana Sahib and Sri Panja Sahib in Pakistan as an extension of ongoing ‘Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra’.

SAD-BJP government has already cherished the long desire of the people of all faiths from the state to offer an opportunity to pay obeisance at sacred cities of Sri Nanded Sahib, Varanasi, Katra (Mata Vaishno Devi), Ajmer Sharif and other holy places by embarking ‘MukhMantriTirathYatra’ Scheme.

Speaking on the sidelines of a momentous show at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi to highlight the life and philosophy of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji in commemoration of his 350^th birth anniversary, the CM pledged to make concerted efforts to facilitate free pilgrimage to Pakistan if entrusted with responsibility to serve the state for another term.

“In the daily prayers (Ardas), every Sikh yearns to pay obeisance at the sacred shrines situated at the birthplace of Guru Nanak Devji. But unfortunately a very few people get the opportunity to visit the shrines across the international border. We shall not only ensure smooth hassle-free passage of pilgrimage to Pakistan but will also bear the entire expenses so that no person in the state is denied from fulfilling this desire”, said Parkash Singh Badal.

The Punjab government has decided to celebrate 350th birth annivresary of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji, the tenth Guru of Sikhs at his birthplace, Sri Patna Sahib and has made a provision of Rs 100 crores for the yearlong celebrations in a bid to propagate the teachings and rich legacy of the great “Saint Soldier”.

The 350^th Parkash Utsav of the tenth Master of Divine Light, is being observed with great religious enthusiasm, devotion and dedication all over the world. This function was a part of series of programs chalked out to commemorate this sacred occasion. Punjab government also presented a cheque of Rs.10 crores to the International centre of Sikh studies.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister along with Deputy Chief Minister unveiled the life-sized statue of the legendary Sikh warrior Baba Banda Singh Bahadur installed at the Punjab Government’s estate Nabha House near Mandi House Chowk. Punjab government decided to get it installed in the national capital as a humble tribute to the great Sikh martyr.

SAD-BJP government has made many efforts to keep youngsters abreast with rich cultural heritage of Punjab. Memorials like Virasat-e-Khalsa, Waddha Ghallughara and Chhota Ghallughara memorial, Banda Singh Bahadur memorial at Chappar Chiri etc. would go a long way in this direction. Giving a facelift to Heritage Street from Town Hall to Sri Harmandir Sahib, the passage leading to holiest Sikh shrine has become the most beautiful in the world.

Talking about tenth Guru, the Chief Minister said, “That Guru Gobind Singh ji always preached the lesson of oneness of God and love for humanity. He further also exhorted the Sikh community to be unified in true spirit as professed by Guru Ji."