Gurmat event on Sher-e-Punjab's death anniv

Days after the Sikh sangat and the NGO Amritsar Vikas Manch demanded that the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh be observed on a large scale in Amritsar, the SGPC has announced that it will organise a special Gurmat programme at Ram Bagh, which also houses the Summer Palace of the legendary Sikh King, on June 29. The three-hour long religious programme will commence at 10 am.

The decision was taken on the directions of Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj.

Kulwant Singh Ankhi, a retired principal, requested Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, officiating Jathedar of Akal Takht, that the death anniversary (barsi) ceremony of the Maharaja be organised here. Due to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam massacre, the Sikh pilgrims’ jatha will not be able to travel to Lahore (Pakistan) this year to attend the barsi.

Therefore, it would be most appropriate to commemorate the occasion with a Gurmat-based event at Ram Bagh (Company Bagh) in Amritsar, a site closely associated with the Maharaja’s legacy.

Manmohan Singh Brar observed: “Maharaja Ranjit Singh had elevated the sacred city of Amritsar in every sphere, enriching it with deep devotion and development. Under the guidance of Guru Sahib, the Maharaja undertook the service of gilding and decorating Sri Harmandar Sahib with gold and marble. To establish Amritsar as a key commercial centre, he invited Marwari traders from Rajasthan and developed the holy city into a major industrial centre by producing woollen and cotton uniforms for his entire army.”

Rajwinder Singh Gill said the contributions of the Maharaja to Amritsar are immense. He established industries to supply necessary goods for the army which strengthened the city’s economy. On the line of Lahore’s Shalimar Bagh, he developed Ram Bagh (Company Bagh) in Amritsar, naming it after Guru Ramdas. A Nishan Sahib also stands in front of Ram Bagh.

He also reinforced the outer mud fort at Lohgarh Gate, converting it into a brick fort known as Gobindgarh Fort, dedicated to tenth Sikh Guru, Sri Gobind Singh. He provided all necessary facilities to develop Amritsar as a centre of education as well.