M’kotla commemorates 9th Sikh Guru’s martyrdom with light, sound show

Known for Guru Gobind Singh prophesying eternal peace and prosperity, following Haa Da Naara by Nawab Sher Mohammad Khan in favour of the Chote Sahibzade, the erstwhile princely state of Malerkotla reverberated with Gurbani commemorating the supreme sacrifice by his father, the ninth Sikh master, Guru Tegh Bahadur.

People from all walks of life, including Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims, recited shabads paying tributes to the ninth Sikh Guru during the light and sound programme ‘Hind Di Chadar’ organised at Government College near Gurdwara Haa Da Naara on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday.

The event was organised as a part of the Guru’s 350th martyrdom anniversary being observed by the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.

While Guru Tegh Bahadur had decided to sacrifice his life for protecting the lives of Kashmiri Pandits, on the recommendation by his 12-year-old son Guru Gobind Singh, Nawab Sher Singh had raised his voice against the brutal execution of the younger Sahibzadas Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh.

The show also highlighted sacrifices of Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das and Bhai Dyala as a token of commitment towards Guru Tegh Badahur.

The Punjab Government was represented by Cabinet Ministers Dr Balbir Singh and Hardeep Singh Mundian, who called upon the residents of the youngest district of the state to reach Anandpur Sahib for participation in the state-level celebrations commemorating the ninth Guru’s ultimate sacrifice from Monday to Wednesday.

“Led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab Government is celebrating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur and the digital light and sound programme has been specially prepared so that all get to learn about the events associated with the Guru’s life,” Dr Balbir Singh said, claiming that adequate arrangements had been made for the comfortable stay of devotees reaching Anandpur Sahib.

Legislators Mohammad Jamil Ur Rahman and Jaswant Singh Gajjanmajra led the residents in taking a pledge to follow the teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur through their lives. DC Viraj S Tidke, SSP Gagan Ajit Singh and ADC Sukhpreet Singh Sidhu supervised the arrangements.