Echoes of 'jaikaras' resound through streets of Hoshiarpur

A nagar kirtan — dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Dayala — departed from Gurdwara Rampur Khera here on Saturday morning after a night’s rest.

Following the ‘ardaas’ (prayer) at the gurdwara by Sant Seva Singh, the procession departed for Anandpur Sahib under the patronage of the Guru Granth Sahib, and the leadership of the Panj Pyare in accordance with Khalsa traditions, amid echoes of ‘jaikaras’ (exclamations of victory and praise).

A contingent of the Punjab Police presented a guard of honour to the nagar kirtan, as devotees welcomed the procession with flower showers in Bhunga, Hariana, Bhikhowal, Hoshiarpur, Chabbewal, Mahilpur, and Garhshankar.

On the occasion, the Panj Pyare and dignitaries were honoured. Cabinet Minister Ravjot Singh said the nagar kirtan would reach Anandpur Sahib on Friday, making several stops on the way.

Welcoming the nagar kirtan in Mahilpur, Deputy Speaker Jai Krishna Singh Rouri said the gathering was fortunate to be celebrating the martyrdom of the Guru.

A special Assembly session would held on November 24 in this regard, he added, appealing to all devotees to reach Anandpur Sahib with their families.

Welcoming the nagar kirtan in Chabbewal, Member of Parliament Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal said saints, great men, Chief Ministers, and prominent personalities would attend large-scale gatherings in Anandpur Sahib on November 23, 24, and 25.

In Hoshiarpur, MLA Bram Shankar Zimpa and Mayor Surinder Kumar paid obeisance before the procession.

“Today, the entire world bows to the sacrifice made by Guru Tegh Bahadur for the welfare of humanity,” Zimpa said.

Chabbewal MLA Dr Ishank Kumar said: “Guru Tegh Bahadur made an

unparalleled sacrifice to protect the religious rights of humanity, setting an example for the world.”

Tanda MLA Jasvir Singh Raja Gill, Dasuya MLA Karambir Singh Ghuman, Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain, SSP Sandeep Kumar Malik, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Nikas Kumar, and Hoshiarpur SDM Gursimranjit Kaur were among those present at the gurdwara.