In Patna ,‘Parkash Parv’ celebrations get off to symbolic start
FIRST OF THE 11 ‘PARBHAT PHERIS’ TAKEN OUT FROM TAKHT SRI HARMANDIR SAHIB, BIRTH PLACE OF GURU GOBIND SINGH All preparations are over. The pilgrims coming here to pay their obeisance to the Guru will experience the warm hospitality of Biharis who have worked very hard to make this event a success GURINDER PAL SINGH, head of the ‘Parkash Parv’ organising committee
PATNA The 350th ‘Parkash Parv’ celebrations of Guru Gobind Singh got off to a symbolic start here on Saturday, with the first of the 11 ‘parbhat pheris’ being taken out from Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib, the birth place of the tenth Sikh Master.
The holy place in this capital of Bihar has been extensively renovated and the Darbar Sahib beautified for the grand celebrations, which will be formally held from December 31 to January 5.
Nearly four lakh visitors are likely to attend the celebrations.
“All preparations have been made. The pilgrims coming here to pay their obeisance to the Guru will experience the warm hospitality of Biharis who have worked very hard to make this event a success”, said Gurinder Pal Singh, head of the ‘Parkash Parv’ organising committee.
The main event, to be held on January 5, will be marked by special ardas and kirtans, among other religious events. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is among the high dignitaries expected to attend it.
Takht general secretary Sarjinder Singh said President Pranab Mukherjee, several Union ministers and chief ministers of various states have also been invited.
A ‘nagar kirtan’ has already started from Anandpur Sahib in Punjab by road and will reach here on December 31. Several ‘gatka’ parties, adept at ceremonial display of martial arts and swordsmanship, are also on their way.
Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar has declared a three-day government holiday in the state from January 3.
Giani Iqbal Singh, jathedar of Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib, Patna Sahib, said, lakhs of people from across the world would pay obeisance to the saint-soldier for sacrificing everything for the sake of uniting India.
‘GURU’S MESSAGE IS LOVE FOR HUMANITY’
“The central idea behind celebrations of Parkash Parv is to disseminate Guru Maharaj’s message of love for humanity, equality and a casteless society”, Giani Gurbachan Singh, jathedar of the Akal Takht, told HT. “Among the issues likely to be discussed during the congregation here are ways to end use of intoxicants (nasha), curb female foeticide, promote education of girls and ensure proper upbringing of poor kids,” he said.
Guru Gobind Singh was born at Patna in 1666 to Guru Teg Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, and Mata Gujri.