POONCH, APRIL 14: The Baisakhi festival was celebrated with immense enthusiasm, devotion and spiritual fervour in Poonch.
The grand religious programme was organized in the presence of Sant Mahant Manjit Singh Ji, Head of Dera Santpura Nangali Sahib Poonch.
A large number of devotees from different areas thronged the venue and paid obeisance at the Gurudwara.
Several dignitaries, including MLA Haveli Aijaz Ahmed Jan, DIG Rajouri-Poonch Sandeep Wazir, Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma, ADC Poonch, Tahir Mustafa Malik, SSP Poonch Shafqat Hussain Bhat, ACR Muad Sayeed, Tehsildar Haveli Azhar Majid, DySP Headquarters Neeraj Sharma, DySP DAR and SHO along with officers from the Army including Lt.Colonel, Major and other senior officers were also present and paid their respects.
The Gurdwara Committee honoured the dignitaries, who extended warm Baisakhi greetings to the devotees and saints present on the occasion.
The Health Department set up a medical stall where doctors were available to provide free check-ups to the devotees besides some other departments also setup departmental stalls.
The celebrations were marked by soulful Gurbani Kirtan recited by renowned Ragi Jathas, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
During the programme, S. Harcharan Singh, General Secretary of DGPC conducted the proceedings. Prominent speakers including S. Narinder Singh, President DGPC, Anmol Singh of Shri Guru Ramdas Sewa Society Poonch, S. Balbir Singh, Dr. Netar Singh and other religious leaders addressed the gathering. They highlighted the significance of Baisakhi and elaborated on Sikh history, especially the creation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699.
In his address, Sant Mahant Manjit Singh Ji extended heartfelt greetings on Baisakhi and emphasized the importance of following Sikh Rehat Maryada. He urged the community to walk on the path shown by the Gurus, respect their sacrifices and uphold the values of Sikhism with dignity.
The programme concluded with the recitation of Hukamnama from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, followed by Guru Ka Langar, which was served to all devotees.
