On Thursday evening, during the celebration of Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur’s 400th Prakash Parv, a Kirtan by 400 Ragis resonated over the Red Fort’s gardens, filling the air with joy and spiritual feelings.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in attendance, as were Union Ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and G Kishan Reddy.
Harjot Bains, Punjab’s tourism minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, and Harmeet Singh Kalka, president of the Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee, were also in attendance.
As Modi entered the magnificently lit and adorned ground, the throng erupted in applause, and he covered his head with a saffron coloured scarf.
PM Modi, who was dressed in a white kurta and churidar, lowered his head three times in front of the Guru Granth Sahib.
In the middle, where Guru Granth Sahib was kept, a gorgeous stage composed of various colours of flowers, including rose, marigold, tulip, and others, was built up.
On both sides of the Guru Granth Sahib, two more massive stages were built up, with 400 Ragis performing Kirtan in unison in front of gigantic LED screens.
PM Modi listened to the Kirtan while sitting on the ground.
The throng were enthralled by the prime minister’s appearance and chanted “Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal” slogans in the backdrop.
“Wahe Guru ji ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru ji ki Fateh,” Modi began and closed his statement.
People stood at their seats and began yelling “Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal” as Modi approached the dais.
Another observer stated that it was the first time that such a large-scale gathering was staged on the Red Fort lawns to commemorate any Sikh Guru’s birth anniversary.
“Today, my excitement knows no bounds as Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur’s heroic story is being told at the very place where his execution was ordered.
“It’s a proud time for me,” Ramneek Kaur, another Janakpuri visitor, said.
Artefacts relating to Guru Tegh Bahadur and his life events were displayed in a museum put up on the Red Fort lawns.
