Expected to host over 5 lakh Sikh pilgrims from across the globe, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has described it as a matter of pride for the state to be part of such a grand occasion.
The 350th Prakash Parv of Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh guru, is less than a month away and preparations are in full swing at his birthplace Patna Saheb, to ring in the grand celebrations from January 3 to 5, 2017.
Expected to host over 5 lakh Sikh pilgrims from across the globe, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has described it as a matter of pride for the state to be part of such a grand occasion.
To keep up with the CM’s promise, the Patna district administration in association with the Takhat Sri Harmandir Ji Patna Saheb Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee is working round the clock to make all arrangements. All preparations are being monitored at the Chief Secretary level and former bureaucrat G S Kang has also been roped in.
Patna district magistrate Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, who is continuously monitoring the work, told DNA that all arrangements will be final by December 25. “Our preparations are in an advanced stage. The guests are expected from December 31. But, we will be ready to welcome them a week in advance,” he said.
The renovation and beautification of the gurudwara, built at Guru Gobind Singh’s birth place commenced as early as in 2014. All houses and shops on the roads leading to the gurudwara, have been asked to get a fresh coat of white paint on the exterior and the administration will reimburse the cost if the house owners wish to claim it.
Another major by the administration is the construction of three tent cities — at Gandhi Maidan, Kangan ghat and bypass area, which will provide free accommodation to over 50,000 people. Besides lodging arrangements, 24x7 ‘langar’, medical lounges, ATMs, etc. will also be provided. A makeshift gurudwara is also coming up at Gandhi Maidan.
While PM Modi has agreed to participate in the event, some of his cabinet colleagues are also expected at the occasion. The government has also shared a list of hotels/guest houses with their contact on its website for the benefit of outstation devotees. The Bihar government has already declared a three-day public holiday starting from January 3.
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