* CM ALONG WITH SIKH HIGH PRIESTS GIVE ROUSING WELCOME TO YATRA
* BADAL EXHORTS PEOPLE TO FOLLOW TEACHINGS OF SIKH GURUS
Sri Anandpur Sahib, June 18- Amidst great enthusiasm and religious fervor, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal along with Sikh High Priests today gave a rousing welcome to the ‘Darshan Didar Yatra’ on its culmination after covering the entire state within a span of 44 days, since its starting on May 6from Patiala.
A sea of humanity deeply submerged in faith and devotion, received the sacred relics of tenth master of Sikhs, Sri Guru Gobind Singh here on the outskirts of holy city of Sri Anandpur Sahib outside the Local power colony. A colourful religious procession led by the motorcade carrying Sri Guru Granth Sahib and a Specially designed vehicle displaying relics of Tenth Guru swept the devotees in the fold of spirituality as they were virtually seen having the glimpse of relics with folded hands and murmuring prayers of their lips. Brigade of Nihang Singhs sporting the horses and Sikh youths displaying martial art of Gatka were the star attractions on the last leg of yatra. Likewise, the Nihang Singhs beating the drums while riding on the camels and elephants during the entourage enthralled the devotees waiting to behold the relics on both sides of roads despite of scorching heat.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that we all were fortunate to have glimpse of the relics of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji during our lifetime. He said that Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has ever endeavored to show case the rich legacy of Khalsa panth by commemorating such mega events adding he mentioned that the 350 years of foundation of Sri Anandpur Sahib was also a part of party’s tradition. Mr. Badal felicitated the Punjab government and the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee for jointly organizing this mega event in a befitting manner.
The Chief Minister exhorted the people to follow the path shown by the great Sikh Gurus to achieve the goal of divinity. He said that the commemoration of such events not only enable our younger generations to apprise them with our glorious past but also inspire us to lead a contended life filled with happiness, peace and prosperity. Mr. Badal further said that these relics would be now permanently placed at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib to enable thousand of devotees to have glimpse of it.
Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Jathedar Akal Takht Giani Gurbachan Singh, Jathedar Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Giani Mal Singh, Jathedar Takht Sri Patna Sahib Giani Iqbal Singh, Cabinet Minister Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema, Lok Sabha Member Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, Rajya Sabha MP Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Chairman Punjab Agro Jathedar Dyal Singh Kolianwali, SGPC Chief Jathedar Avtar Singh, SGPC Members Jathedar Karnail Singh Panjoli, Mr. Amarjeet Singh Chawla and Jathedar Rajinder Singh Mehta, Chief of Sant Samaj Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa, Nihang Chief Baba Balbir Singh and Taruna Dal Chief Baba Nihal Singh Hariyaan Belaan wale.