Chandigarh, July 22 — A series of government-led events to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur has drawn criticism from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which accused the Punjab government of overstepping into religious affairs.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, while chairing a review meeting on Monday, announced that from November 19 to 25, the state would host “grand and historic events” across all 23 districts of Punjab to honor the Guru’s legacy.
“The life and sacrifice of Guru Teg Bahadur will be remembered with deep reverence through yatras, poetry sessions, light and sound shows, and educational seminars,” Mann said. He detailed that four major yatras will begin from various corners of Punjab, all converging at Anandpur Sahib.
The first will originate from Srinagar on November 21, passing through Pathankot and Hoshiarpur. The second will move from Gurdaspur via Baba Bakala, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Jalandhar. Two other yatras will begin in Ferozepur, one heading through Moga and Ludhiana, and the other covering Faridkot, Bathinda, Barnala, Sangrur, Mansa, and Patiala.
To engage broader public participation, light and sound installations and poetry recitations based on Guru Teg Bahadur’s teachings will be staged in all districts. Special seminars and symposiums are also scheduled across educational institutions. An Akhand Path will be held from November 23 to 25 in Anandpur Sahib, accompanied by city beautification, roadworks, lighting, and infrastructure upgrades.
Cabinet ministers Harjot Singh Bains and Harbhajan Singh, present at the meeting, later briefed the media, calling the initiative a tribute to the Guru’s philosophy of sacrifice and religious freedom.
However, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami objected to the government’s lead role in organizing the religious observances, stating that such commemorations fall solely within the domain of Sikh institutions.
“The government should focus on providing infrastructure and logistical assistance. It is the SGPC and other Sikh bodies that are best positioned to conduct religious programmes rooted in tradition,” Dhami said. He argued that state involvement beyond facilitation amounts to interference.
Drawing on precedent, Dhami noted that during the 350th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, the Bihar government provided administrative support, while religious duties were performed by Sikh institutions. He also pointed out that previous Akali-led governments in Punjab maintained this separation of roles.
Dhami clarified that invitations have already been extended to both state and central government representatives to participate in SGPC-led programmes. “Instead of hosting parallel events, the Punjab government should support the primary organisers and work in cooperation,” he said.
