Ahead of Guru Teg Bahadur’s 350th martyrdom anniversary, Mayor, MC Commissioner review progress of dev works

In view of the upcoming 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur, the Amritsar Municipal Corporation has initiated a series of sanitation, development and beautification works around Gurdwara Guru Ka Mahal, the revered birthplace of the ninth Sikh Guru.

To review the progress of these preparations, Amritsar MC Mayor Jatinder Singh Bhatia and Commissioner Bikramjeet Singh Shergill on Monday visited the Guru Ka Mahal area, located in the heart of the walled city. During the visit, the Mayor and the Commissioner took stock of cleanliness condition, road repairs, illumination and façade improvement of adjoining buildings to ensure that the area reflects the sanctity and significance of the occasion. They interacted with field officials and directed them to expedite ongoing works so that all arrangements are completed well before the commemorative events.

MC Commissioner Shergill instructed the departments concerned to maintain strict cleanliness standards and ensure proper waste disposal during the celebrations. He said the focus is on enhancing the spiritual and aesthetic atmosphere of the surroundings to provide a pleasant experience for devotees and visitors.

The Mayor said all efforts are being undertaken with full dedication to pay a fitting tribute to the supreme sacrifice of Guru Teg Bahadur, who laid down his life for the cause of religious freedom. “The area holds immense historical and spiritual significance and it is our responsibility to preserve its sanctity while preparing for this momentous occasion,” he added. Additional Commissioner Surinder Singh and senior officials of the municipal corporation accompanied the team during the inspection.

Gurdwara Sri Guru Ka Mahal Sahib holds a special place in Sikh history. In 1621, it was here that Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji was born to Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib and Mata Nanki. His childhood name was Tyag Mal, and he was the youngest among five brothers, Baba Gurditta, Baba Suraj Mal, Baba Ani Rai and Baba Atal Rai and one sister, Bibi Veero.

After the battle of Kartarpur against Painda Khan, his remarkable courage and mastery with the sword earned him the name ‘Teg Bahadur,’ meaning ‘Brave of the Sword’. The historic house, now sanctified as Gurdwara Guru Ka Mahal Sahib, continues to draw thousands of devotees every year, and the upcoming martyrdom anniversary is expected to witness large congregations and devotional programmes.