'Sangat and Pangat', the love for entire humanity with the spirit of communal harmony, is the theme of the official tableau of Punjab for the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on January 26.
"The tableau of the state government at the Republic Day-2018 parade would be in the form of 'Sangat and Pangat' depicting the oneness of humanity perfectly in keeping with the teachings of great Guru Sahiban," an official spokesman said here.
He said that the tableau would also showcase the humane traditions of the 'Sangat', or a congregation of people sitting together transcending the boundaries of caste, creed, race, colour and religion; and 'Pangat', meaning a row where the Sangat partakes langar (community meal).
The spokesman said that the tableau would also exhibit the way in which the free community kitchen called 'langar' is prepared wholly through the voluntary efforts of the people, thus lending in their minds a feeling of supreme bliss regarding the entire process.
The institution of 'langar' was started by the first Guru, Nanak Dev, who founded the Sikh religion.
The third Guru, Amar Dass, continued the great tradition and made it a rule that nobody would be granted an audience until he or she partakes of langar.
Even Mughal Emperor Akbar had to first partake of langar when he visited Guru Amar Dass.
"The institution of langar has been serving as a symbol of unity of mankind since last four centuries thus spreading the message of peace, communal harmony and universal brotherhood," the spokesman said.
The tableau will be showcased against the backdrop of Shabds (Sikh religious hymns).
Punjab is the only state in India with a Sikh majority population.
Sikhism, which started in the 15th century, is one of the youngest religions in the world. The tenth Sikh master, Guru Gobind Singh, founded the 'Khalsa Panth' on April 13, 1699 in Anandpur Sahib.
--IANS
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