Tourists unaware of SGPC's free yatra service

Amritsar, July 12

A large number of tourists visiting the city are unaware that the SGPC plies free of cost buses to take devotees to several historic gurdwaras in the district and neighbouring Tarn Taran district. Despite a to and fro service from the Golden Temple complex, very few people are aware of the service.

Named “Free Yatra”, one has to register his/her name at 5.30 am at the Golden Temple complex before boarding a bus from outside Saragarhi Gurdwara on the Heritage Street.

Accompanied by 13 persons, Kamal Kaur of Gurne Kalan village in Lehragaga said she was on a pilgrimage to historical Sikh shrines for the second time. A septuagenarian, she says she has been visiting the city to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple since her childhood, but she came to know about the bus service only last time. She learnt about the service by word of mouth.

Parminder Singh of Sangrur said he came to know of the bus service during his stay in a serai (inn), situated in the Golden Temple complex. He said he came here along with his family to pay obeisance at Harmandar Sahib. He said service as he got an opportunity to visit six historic shrines like gurdwaras at Chheharta, San Sahib, Baba Budha Ji, Tarn Taran Sahib, Goindwal and Khadoor Sahib. “Moreover, it happens in a day as they board the bus at 8 am and return by 5 in the evening. Given one’s hectic schedule, it is the most convenient one.” En route, they partake of langar at Gurdwara Baba Budha.

Golden Temple manager Sulakhan Singh said the duty of the staff of the Shiromani Committee was to perform sewa without getting publicity.