To mark sacrifice of Sahibzadas, 3-day Shaheedi Jor Mela begins

The biggest historical event of the state, a three-day annual Shaheedi Jor Mela, began with religious fervour and ceremonies here today. The event is held to commemorate the martyrdom of Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, two Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru.

To mark the beginning of the programme, Akhand Path of Guru Granth Sahib was started at Gurdwara Jyoti Swarup, where the two Sahibzadas were cremated.

Bhai Harpal Singh, Head Granthi of Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib, performed the Ardas. Deputy Commissioner Sona Thind, SSP Ravjot Grewal, ADC Geetika Singh and a large number of devotees were present on the occasion.

Devotees thronged the two historic gurdwaras, Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib and Gurdwara Jyoti Swarup, on the first day of the Jor Mela. Nearly 30 lakh devotees are expected to pay obeisance at the gurdwaras during the mela.

Congress leadership led by Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, Fatehgarh Sahib MP Amar Singh and leaders from all major parties thronged Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib to pay reverence to the Sahibzadas.

Despite the appeal of the Akal Takht Jathedar to prepare simple ‘langar’, more than 500 community kitchens have started serving dishes like sandwiches, burger, kheer, jalebi and juices.

The DC inaugurated an exhibition highlighting various achievements and public-oriented schemes run by the state government. She also inaugurated mini buses and e-rickshaws to carry senior citizens and women free of cost from different destinations to gurdwaras. She said all wine shops, circuses, swings and other sources of entertainment had been closed for three days. Night shelters, 24-hour power supply, clean drinking water, mobile toilets and medical facilities would be available round the clock.

DIG HS Bhullar and the SSP said adequate security arrangements were in place. Drones and CCTV cameras were keeping a close watch on anti-social elements, they added.

To maintain the smooth flow of the traffic, nine diversions and alternative routes had been identified, said the SSP, adding that 20 free parking sites and three temporary bus stands have been set up for the convenience of devotees.