Nagar kirtan taken out to mark 300th martyrdom year of Banda Bahadur

Tribune News Service

Jammu, May 31

To observe the 300th martyrdom year of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur a “nagar kirtan” was flagged off from Jammu which after passing through different cities of north India will culminate in New Delhi.

During the religious procession, Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan and Union Minister of State (MoS) in Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Jitendra Singh also took part in the religious event.

The religious procession started from Reasi on Monday and carries arms and other articles belonging to the warrior. Historical accounts say that Banda Singh Bahadur (1670-1716) was born in a Rajput family. He was named Lachman Dev, but after meeting Sri Guru Gobind Singh he become a Sikh and one of the greatest warrior known for his struggle against the Mughal empire. It was the great Guru who gave him the name Banda Singh Bahadur.

Speaking on the occasion, Paswan, while paying tribute to Banda Singh Bahadur, urged upon the young generation to remember his sacrifice and work for safeguarding the interests of the nation.

“Baba ji was a great warrior, who fought against the tyranny of rulers of that time. This procession is to remember his sacrifice he made for the country,” said Paswan.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Jitendra Singh said organising such events is very important to ensure that future generations know the history and people who sacrificed their lives for cause of the nation.

Meanwhile, State Gurdwara Parbandhak Board submitted a memorandum to the government demanding a memorial of Baba Banda Bahadur be built at Lakhanpur, the entry point of the state.

Board chairman Tarlochan Singh Wazir also demanded that a statue of the Sikh warrior be placed at the Kunjwani chowk, which is a long-pending demand of the community. They are also seeking the establishment of an educational institute at Rajouri, birth place of Baba Banda Bahadur.