Raikot/Amritsar, August 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Miri-Piri Khalsa March moved into its next phase from Gurdwara Tahliyana Sahib in Raikot on Wednesday, with Sikh leaders urging the community to remain connected with Gurmat traditions, Sri Akal Takht Sahib and the teachings of Sikh history while staying away from social evils.
The march, organised to connect Sikh devotees with Gurmat traditions and Sri Akal Takht Sahib and encourage them to work against social ills, proceeded towards Gurdwara Chulle Baba Ala Singh Ji at Longowal.
The departure was attended by Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib head granthi Singh Sahib Giani Amarjit Singh, Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Singh Sahib Giani Kuldeep Singh Garhgajj, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Jathedar Singh Sahib Giani Tek Singh, among other prominent personalities.
During the religious congregation held on the occasion, Giani Amarjit Singh shared historical perspectives with the devotees and encouraged them to follow a life based on Gurmat. The departure ardas was performed by head preacher Bhai Sarabjit Singh Dhotian, after which the sacred saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was placed in the palki by Giani Amarjit Singh.
Addressing the gathering, Giani Kuldeep Singh Garhgajj recalled the historical significance of Raikot, saying that the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, had received news of the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas from Noora Mahi at this place. He said the Guru uprooted a kikkar plant with an arrow and declared that the roots of the tyrannical rule had been uprooted.
Giani Garhgajj said the episode continued to inspire Sikhs to stand against oppression. He said the Khalsa tradition had always been to resist attempts by rulers to undermine the Panth.
He alleged that governments were again attempting to challenge Panthic traditions and said the Sikh community would not accept such interference. Referring to the present government, he alleged that it was interfering in Sikh affairs and said the Khalsa Panth was closely watching these developments.
He maintained that no policy or law concerning Sikh affairs could be implemented without the consent of the Panth and urged devotees to remain vigilant against forces questioning Sikh traditions.
Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, meanwhile, appealed to Sikh devotees to offer ardas on August 29 for the Chardi Kala and release of Bandi Singhs.
Dhami alleged that several Bandi Singhs had remained incarcerated for periods exceeding their legal sentences and accused governments of treating them unfairly. He said the community’s demand for their release had also received what he described as a discriminatory response from governments.
He said Sikhs had always relied on their faith and turned to ardas during difficult times. According to Dhami, Sri Akhand Path Sahib will begin at gurdwaras on August 27 and conclude with bhog and ardas on August 29. Similar Sri Sukhmani Sahib prayers and ardas will be organised at educational institutions managed by the SGPC.
Dhami also appealed for ardas for the Chardi Kala of the Bandi Singhs at gurdwaras in villages on August 29.
Giani Tek Singh urged devotees to follow a Gurmat-based way of life and remain committed to Gurbani and Sikh identity.
The march has received significant participation from the Sikh community. During various stages, Giani Kuldeep Singh Garhgajj and Dhami have also been encouraging young people to maintain their Sikh identity and stay away from drugs. Organisers said a number of youngsters had pledged to remain steadfast in their Sikh appearance and avoid substance abuse.
The march began from Gurdwara Tahliyana Sahib, Raikot, and will pass through various stages before reaching Gurdwara Chulle Baba Ala Singh Ji at Longowal. It will resume from there for the next phase on Thursday.
Among those present were SGPC junior vice-president Baldev Singh Kalyan; members Bhai Gurcharan Singh Grewal, Keval Singh Badal and Jagjit Singh Talwandi; Baba Boota Singh; Bhupinder Singh Bhalwan; senior Akali leader R.S. Kler; additional secretary Bhagwant Singh Dhangera; Baba Major Singh Sodhi, head of Dasmesh Tarna Dal; constituency in-charge Balwinder Singh Sandhu; Baba Sarbjot Singh; Baba Lakhvir Singh Thath Waraich; Master Gurmeet Singh; Sarpanch Bibi Swaranjot Kaur; Chairman Amarjit Singh; Avtar Singh Bandesha; in-charge Gurbhag Singh; head granthi Bhai Mohinder Singh; preacher Bhai Sarabjit Singh Ludhiana; kathavachak Balbir Singh; Palwinder Singh Raikot; manager Tarseem Singh; Jasbir Singh; Manjit Singh; SDM Khushpreet Singh; Rajinder Singh Kaka; Prabhjot Singh Dhaliwal; Heera Lal Bansal; Principal Balkar Singh; Baba Keval Singh Hazur Sahib; Baba Gurbhag Singh Kar Sewa; Nirbhai Singh; Amrik Singh Sudhar; Ankitpal Singh and a large number of devotees.
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