ANANDPUR SAHIB: The religiously significant Anandpur Sahib, founded by the ninth Guru of the Sikh sect, Guru Tegh Bahadur, in 1665 and named it Chak Nanaki after his mother, Mata Nanaki, has been decked up to commemorate the 350th martyrdom day of the founding Guru, a beacon of courage and strength, from November 23 to 25.
One of the most sacred sites in Sikhism, Anandpur Sahib, revered for its historical, cultural, and religious significance, has played a pivotal role in the evolution of Sikh identity and tradition.
The entire city, located on the foothills of the Shivalik range where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, spent significant time, has been painted white as a mark of reverence for the unique warrior, Hind di Chadar, for inspiring the struggle against unrighteousness and tyranny.
Anandpur Sahib in Ropar district is well connected by road and rail, and the state government is making elaborate arrangements to receive nearly 10 million people to attend the commemorative programmes.
The prominent events from November 23 to 25 comprise nagar kirtans (religious processions), heritage walks, a 'sarv dharm sammelan' (meeting of all faiths), an exhibition on the life of Guru Tegh Bahadur at Virasat-e-Khalsa memorial, a special one-day Vidhan Sabha session at Bhai Jaita-ji memorial, besides traditional martial art Gatka and events like tent pegging, 'dhal-talwar' duel, 'shastra darshan', and sword fusion.