Sri Anandpur Sahib/Amritsar, September 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The third phase of the Miri-Piri Khalsa March began from Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib in Sri Anandpur Sahib on Thursday, with Sikh traditions and Khalsa spirit marking the occasion. The march, which began from Sri Akal Takht Sahib on Miri-Piri Day, is promoting the supremacy of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the Miri-Piri principle, Sikh way of life and Khalsa values. The third phase is scheduled to travel through different areas of the Doaba and Majha regions before concluding at Sri Akal Takht Sahib on September 25.
The first phase of the march had reached Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, while the second phase concluded at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib on September 4.
On Thursday, Sri Harmandir Sahib’s Head Granthi Singh Sahib Giani Amarjit Singh, Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar and Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Kuldeep Singh Garhgajj, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Tek Singh, senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader and former minister Dr Daljit Singh Cheema, along with other prominent personalities and a large number of devotees, attended the launch of the third phase.
Giani Kuldeep Singh Garhgajj performed the Ardas marking the commencement of the phase, while Giani Amarjit Singh recited the Hukamnama.
Giani Garhgajj said the Khalsa March was making people aware of forces that, according to him, were opposed to Sikh interests, while also encouraging young people to stay away from drugs and remain committed to the Sikh form and principles.
He said the march would contribute to the propagation of Sikh values. He also highlighted the participation of children wearing turbans and the large turnout of devotees, saying several young people had pledged to maintain their unshorn hair.
‘Dialogue on Satkar Act possible, but Akal Takht objections must be addressed’
On the Punjab government’s “The Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026”, Giani Garhgajj said dialogue with the government remained possible, but the objections and suggestions raised by Sri Akal Takht Sahib would have to be addressed.
The issue has been under discussion since Sri Akal Takht Sahib sent the Punjab government its objections and proposed amendments to the legislation.
Giani Garhgajj said the government had constituted a seven-member committee after considerable time had passed, while Sri Akal Takht Sahib had already constituted a five-member committee. He said the government should remove the provisions objected to by Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
He further called on the government to issue a notification putting the legislation on hold until the matter was resolved.
He said the five-member committee constituted by Sri Akal Takht Sahib would engage with the government’s seven-member panel, but the issue could not be resolved unless the objections and suggestions raised by Sri Akal Takht Sahib were addressed.
The Act was notified earlier this year, and subsequent discussions have centred on proposed amendments.
Comment on Ramvir Singh Bidhuri
Responding to a question about BJP MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri’s recent visit to the residence of former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar, Giani Garhgajj said Bidhuri’s submission of an apology before Sri Akal Takht Sahib was a positive development.
He said Bidhuri had acknowledged his mistake and sought forgiveness, while also stating in his submission that he had consistently opposed Sajjan Kumar over his alleged role in the 1984 anti-Sikh violence.
Giani Garhgajj said other political leaders who had visited Kumar should also take guidance from Bidhuri’s apology and seek forgiveness from the Sikh community.
Focus on drug abuse among youth
SGPC president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami said the participation of large numbers of devotees during the first two phases demonstrated continued engagement with the teachings and philosophy of the Sikh Gurus.
He said the central objectives of the Khalsa March were to promote the well-being of the Sikh community and humanity and connect the younger generation with the teachings of the Gurus.
Dhami described drug abuse among young people in Punjab as a serious challenge and said collective efforts were needed to protect the younger generation and provide them with the right direction.
He said the objective was to take the message of the Gurus to households and villages and strengthen the connection of young people with their heritage, Sikh principles and Gurbani.
Giani Garhgajj also raised concerns over waterlogging on roads in Sri Anandpur Sahib following rain and said the government should ensure better roads and proper drainage around Sikh historical sites so that devotees visiting Takht Sahibans do not face inconvenience.
A number of SGPC office-bearers, members, religious personalities and local representatives were present during the event, including SGPC junior vice-president Baldev Singh Kalyan, executive committee members Daljit Singh Bhinder, Surjit Singh Tugalwal, Dr Jang Bahadur Singh Rai and Bibi Harjinder Kaur, along with other members and officials associated with Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib.
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