Amritsar, April 29

Amid the Covid crisis, ‘gurmat’ programmes were declared open by the SGPC to mark the 400th Parkash Purab (birth centenary) of Guru Teg Bahadur.

An ‘akhand path’ was organised at Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal, the birthplace of the Guru, followed by ‘gurmat’ events at Gurdwara Sri Manji Sahib Diwan Hall on the Golden Temple complex.

On the first day, ‘bhog’ of 20,000 ‘sehaj paths’ was held in the presence of a small gathering. In view of the Covid scare, symbolic events were held. Bibi Jagir Kaur, SGPC president, urged the devotees to embrace righteousness.

A ‘nagar kirtan’ will be taken out from Sri Akal Takht Sahib to Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal on April 30 as part of the event. It will start at 12 noon. On the centenary day on May 1, the ‘bhog’ of ‘akhand path’ will be held at Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal and a function will be held at Diwan Hall Gurdwara Sri Manji Sahib.

“The sangat should not be stopped. The government should also consider giving one-day relaxation from lockdown on Saturday,” said Bibi Jagir Kaur. Earlier, ‘akhand path’ was inaugurated at Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal. Bhai Rajdeep Singh offered prayers on the occasion, while Giani Jagtar Singh, head granthi of Golden Temple, recited the holy Hukamnama. — TNS