Jor Mela: 1 lakh pay obeisance on Day 1
FATEHGARHSAHIB:More than 1 lakh devotees paid obeisance at Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib on the first day of Shaheedi Jor Mela on Monday, with many lauding the Akal Takht’s decision to ban political conferences on the occasion.
A festive fervour marked the fair organised every year to remember the sacrifice of Guru Godind Singh young sahibzadas Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh who were bricked alive in the town in 1705.
Many visitors said the political parties have long used the occasion for petty gains and for political gamesmanship.
Langars (community kitchens) were arranged near the gurdwara complex by many devotees and organisations from all over the state and outside. Buses, especially to ferry senior citizens, women and children, were plied to Gurdwara Sahib from all entry points.
Sant Singh, a nihang from Fatehgarh Sahib, said, “I attend the Jor Mela every year. In the past years, politicians started using the Shaheedi Gurparb, the day of selflessness and sacrifice, for petty benefits.”
Gurmeet Singh, a devotee from Rajasthan, said, “Religious teachings will encourage children to adopt the Sikh way of life.”
NO LAVISH LANGARS
The Akal Takht has also banned people from organising lavish langars on the occasion.
Ajit Kaur, a devotee from Patran, said, “Year after year, we have seen lavish langars comprising ‘jalebi’, ‘kheer’ and other sweets on the occasion that reminds the Sikh community of a tragedy.”
PUNJAB GUV, SPEAKER VISIT GURDWARA
Punjab governor VP Singh Badnore along with Vidhan Sabha speaker Rana KP Singh and former lieutenant governor of Andaman and Nichobar Lt Gen (retd) Bhupinder Singh also paid obeisance at the gurdwara.
They were presented siropas by the gurdwara management.
SGPC HOLDS ‘GURMAT SAMAGAM’
ANANDPURSAHIB: The SGPC organised a ‘Gurmat Samagam’ at Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib on Monday. Ragi Jathas recited gurbani kirtan on the occasion.