Fatehgarh Sahib, December 26: The three-day annual Shaheedi Jor Mela held to commemorate the martyrdom of the Chaar Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh began here today amid religious ceremonies.
An “Akhand Path” was started at Gurdwara Jyoti Swarup Sahib, where the Sahibzadas were cremated. Bhai Harpal Singh, head granthi of Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib, performed the “ardas”. Deputy Commissioner Shiv Dular Singh Dhillon, Manager of Gurdwara Sahib Amarjit Singh, former Information Commissioner Jagdeep Singh Cheema and a large number of devotees were present on the occasion.
On the first day, a number of devotees thronged the gurdwaras and long queues were witnessed at Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib and Gurdwara Jyoti Swarup Sahib.
More than 10 lakh devotees are expected to pay obeisance. The Deputy Commissioner inaugurated the exhibition depicting achievements of various government departments. A light and sound programme “Main Tera Banda” was displayed at Aam Khas Bagh.
The SGPC organised gatka, painting, essay writing, kavishri and bhajan competition in various SGPC colleges.
The DC and SSP Alka Meena said liquor shops, gambling stalls, dance pandals, circuses, swings and other sources of entertainment had been banned. Besides, 24-hour power supply, clean drinking water, toilet and medical facilities would be provided round the clock to the pilgrims.
The SSP said the district police had installed CCTV cameras to keep a close watch on anti-social elements and 21 free parking sites had been set up for the devotees.
