The Tribune – Shaheedi Jor Mela concludes amid fervour

Tribune News Service

Fatehgarh Sahib, December 27. The three-day Shaheedi Jor Mela concluded here today amid performing of religious ceremonies. A nagar kirtan was taken out from Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib to Gurdwara Jyoti Swarup Sahib. The palanquin carrying Guru Granth Sahib was placed on a well decorated vehicle.

Gurbachan Singh, Jathedar, Akal Takhat; Tarlochan Singh, head priest, Gurdwara Keshgarh Sahib; Giani Mal Singh, head priest, Golden Temple; Harnam Singh Dhuma, head, Damdami Taksal; and Baba Nihal Singh, head, Budha Dal; were among those who participated in the congregation.

The palanquin was escorted by SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar, SGPC member Karnail Singh Panjoli, SAD general secretary Prem Singh Chandumajra, former minister Dr Harbans Lal, former MLA Didar Singh Bhatti and other political leaders.

Lakhs of devotees from various parts of the country and abroad also participated. Performances by school bands, gatka teams, nihangs, kirtani jathas, Sukhmani Sahib sewa societies, students of Mata Gujri College, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University and Akal Academy Baru Sahib charged the atmosphere.

Addressing the devotees, Gurbachan Singh urged the devotees to follow the path as shown by the Sikh gurus. He lashed out at leaders of various political parties for printing their photographs along with Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh and Mata Gujri.

SGPC president Avtar Singh said Thande Burj and Garhi of Chamkaur Sahib would be reconstructed to give it a historic look so that future generations of the community could remember the great sacrifices made by the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh. He said renovation of the historic haveli of Diwan Todar Mal would be completed by next year.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20121228/punjab.htm#10

The Tribune – Mudslinging at Jor Mela despite jathedar’s advice; Stadium to be named after Sahibzadas

Sanjeev Singh Bariana, Tribune News Service

Fatehgarh Sahib, December 26. Not paying any heed to the Akal Takht Jathedar’s advice to political parties to maintain religious sanctity at the Shaheedi Jor Mela, SAD leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal and Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia, indulged in mudslinging and Congress-bashing while addressing a gathering here today.

Interestingly, SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar also spoke on the same podium, although he did not make any political comments.

Addressing a press conference, Sukhbir said with Congress MLA from Moga Joginder Pal Jain joining the SAD, a hiatus had started in the Congress and “you will see regular desertions from their camp”.

Making an indirect reference to the recent incident in the Vidhan Sabha following which Congressman Rana Gurjit Singh was suspended, Majithia said: “Our gurus have taught us that it is not right to bear cruelty at anyone’s hands. I have never reacted to allegations against me. Some even call me a ‘goonda’ or a murderer. But I cannot tolerate anyone dragging my mother’s name”.

Mahesh Inder Grewal, adviser to the Chief Minister, said: “Religion and politics are the very essence of Sikhism. It will not be correct to address our community during a religious occasion and not mentioning the wrongs in our society”.

SAD general secretary Balwant Singh Ramoowalia also took a satirical dig at the Congress and its national leaders.

Others present on the occasion included Bibi Jagir Kaur, Speaker Charanjit Atwal, Transport Minister Ajit Singh Kohar, Rajya Sabha member Balwinder Bhunder and Jathedar Tota Singh.

Sukhbir said Fatehgarh Sahib would have a stadium in the name of Baba Zora Singh and Baba Fateh Singh by next year.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20121227/punjab.htm#1

The Tribune – Jor Mela commences on religious note

Surinder Bhardwaj

Young devotees offer prayers outside a gurdwara in Fatehgarh Sahib in Monday.
Tribune photo: Vicky Gharu

Fatehgarh Sahib, December 26 The three-day annual Shaheedi Jor Mela has started here today with religious fervour. The Mela is organised to commemorate the martyrdom of younger Sahibjadas of Guru Gobind Singh, who were bricked alive here by the Mughals for refusing to embrace Islam.

To mark the beginning, “Akhand Path of Shri Guru Granth Sahib” has started at Gurdwara Jyoti Swarup Sahib. Deputy Commissioner Yashveer Mahajan with other officials and a large number of devotees attended the ceremony. Giani Balwant Singh, head priest of Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib performed the “ardaas”.

On the first day, a sea of devotees thronged the town and long queues could be seen at Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib and Gurdwara Jyoti Swarup Sahib. More than 10 lakh devotees are expected to pay obeisance at these gurdwaras.

After the election code of conduct came into force, no ruling party leader was seen during the inauguration ceremonies, exhibitions, Kavi Darbar, light and sound and other government sponsored events. The Deputy Commissioner inaugurated all the events.

Mahajan said that the district administration had made elaborate arrangements for smooth conduct of the mela, which would be totally religious in nature and all the wine shops, gambling stalls, dancing pandals, circuses, swings and other sources of entertainment had been banned.

“24-hour power supply, clean drinking water; toilet facilities and medical facilities have been provided and mini buses have been introduced to carry senior citizens, ladies free of cost to the gurdwaras,” he said.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) RS Khatra said, “Foolproof security arrangements have been made for the pilgrims and the mela has been divided into four sectors. To control traffic, 200 cops have been deployed under SP rank officer. For security of the pilgrims, 10 SP rank officers, 20 DSPs, 71 Inspectors and 2,000 police personnel, including 100 women constables, have been deputed to keep a watch on anti-social elements.”

Meanwhile, a large number of community kitchens have started serving food to devotees. On second day of the mela, various political parties would organise their conferences.

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal and other leaders would address the SAD conference. Congress conference near Roza Sharif would be addressed by Captain Amarinder Singh, President, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) and other leaders.

SAD (Amritsar), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Sikh Students’ Federation and Dal Khalsa would also organise their respective conferences. On concluding day of the mela, Nagar Kirtan would be taken out from Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib to Jyoti Swarup Sahib.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111227/punjab.htm#15