From Hinglaj to Khalsa, Baisakhi’s rich heritage celebrated in Panchkula

A cultural programme highlighting the social and cultural significance of Baisakhi was organised at the PWD Auditorium, Sector 1, under the joint aegis of the Haryana Sahitya Evam Sanskriti Akademi and Punjabi Samaj Sabhyacharak Manch.

The event commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and devotional prayer (aarti) at the idol of Goddess Hinglaj. The lighting was done by Haryana Chief Minister’s officer on special duty (OSD), Bharat Bhushan Bharti.

Welcoming the guests, RP Malhotra, President of the Punjabi Samaj Sabhyacharak Manch, shared details about the forum’s activities.

In his presidential address, Kuldeep Chand Agnihotri said the history of the Sapta Sindhu region is a symbol of continuous struggle, and it was from this struggle that the Khalsa Panth emerged. He mentioned that around the year 1100, there was a Khatri kingdom in Afghanistan, but over time, most communities converted to Islam, whereas the Khatri community resisted and gradually migrated toward Punjab.

He also recalled that the Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred on the day of Baisakhi. Goddess Hinglaj, he said, is considered the most revered deity in Pakistan, where her temple is believed to be the site where the upper part of Goddess Sati’s head fell, making it a powerful Shakti Peeth.

He described the remote desert terrain where the Hinglaj temple is located, accessible only by foot.

The months of Chaitra (Navratri) and Baisakh, which are spiritually significant as Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa Panth during Baisakhi, attract pilgrimage and create a festive atmosphere at the site. The hills of Hinglaj are believed to be a range of 84, a number considered sacred. Besides the Hinglaj temple, there are also temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Kali.