Bhikhi/Amritsar, August 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Miri-Piri Khalsa March, aimed at spreading the teachings of Guru Sahib and Sikh principles among the Sikh community, on Sunday moved from Gurdwara Sahib Patshahi Ninth at Bhikhi towards Barnala, receiving a warm welcome from devotees at various stops along the route.
Addressing the sangat during the march, Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Garjajj said the initiative was encouraging people to reconnect with Gurbani, dedicate themselves to the Khalsa Panth and remain vigilant against forces opposed to Sikh institutions and traditions.
He expressed concern over the growing influence of drugs among Punjab’s youth and urged young people to reject substance abuse and turn towards education, skills, sports, hard work and Gurmat.
“Punjab is the land of the Gurus, and our youth should give up drugs and return to the sports fields, which are part of our heritage,” he said. He added that young people needed to be encouraged to believe that they could pursue higher education while remaining in Punjab and achieve significant success through hard work.
Giani Kuldeep Singh Garjajj also said the Sikh community should respond appropriately to thinking that questions Sikh traditions and the Guru’s institutions. He stressed that the real strength and identity of a Sikh lies in remaining connected with the Guru.
“Governments come and go, rulers change, and laws and policies also change, but our Guru is eternal,” he said.
SGPC president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, meanwhile, urged the sangat to remain alert to forces that question the traditions of the Guru Ghar. He said Sikh institutions had consistently provided assistance to people in distress, including during natural disasters when government agencies were unable to cope with the situation.
Referring to the issue of Bandi Singhs, Dhami said several Sikh prisoners had spent more time in jail than their prescribed sentences and alleged that the government’s approach towards their release was discriminatory. He also referred to Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara and said he had not been granted parole to meet his ailing mother.
Dhami said the SGPC’s executive committee had decided that prayers would be held at gurdwaras across the country on August 29 for the release and Chardi Kala of the Bandi Singhs. He appealed to the Sikh community to organise similar prayers in villages on the same day.
Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Jathedar Singh Sahib Giani Tek Singh also thanked the devotees participating in the Khalsa March and urged them to remain cautious of forces opposed to the Khalsa Panth.
Before the march began at Gurdwara Sahib Patshahi Ninth, Bhikhi, Gurbani kirtan was held. Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib’s Head Granthi Singh Sahib Giani Amarjit Singh shared insights into Gurmat principles and Sikh history, while Head Pracharak Bhai Sarabjit Singh Dhotian also addressed the sangat.
At the departure ceremony, Giani Amarjit Singh placed the sacred saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in the palki sahib, while SGPC executive committee member Gurpreet Singh Jhabbbar performed the chaur sahib seva.
The procession received a warm welcome at several locations, with students from different schools also paying respect to Guru Sahib. Historical weapons displayed in a specially arranged bus were also shown to the sangat.
Among those present were SGPC executive committee member Gurpreet Singh Jhabbbar, Baba Boota Singh, Additional Secretary Bhagwant Singh Dhanera, Shiromani Akali Dal constituency in-charge Prem Kumar Arora, Satnam Singh Rahi, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib manager Narinderjit Singh Bhawanigarh, Baba Jagjit Singh of Kalghidhar Trust Baru Sahib, Sukhchain Singh Atla, Rubal Singh Dhillon, Makhan Singh Samaun, Baba Baldev Singh Walla, Baba Pargat Singh Majitha Road, Baba Bikram Singh, Baba Manpreet Singh Balewal, Baba Kulwinder Singh, Baba Lal Singh, manager Surjit Singh Theekriwal, Jasbir Singh, Harbhagwan Singh, Sandeep Singh Kalota and in-charge Bhola Singh, among others.
FOLLOW NOW
