Amritsar: The Miri Piri Khalsa March began on Friday from Akal Takht to Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo, to commemorate the teachings of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib, on justice, religious freedom, and service to humanity.The march marks Miri Piri Diwas and aims to spread the philosophy of Miri Piri, especially among the youth, while promoting Panthic unity and reinforcing the authority of Akal Takht.The launch of the march witnessed the presence of head granthi of Golden Temple Giani Amarjit Singh; officiating jathedar of Akal Takht and jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj; jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Giani Tek Singh; Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president Harjinder Singh Dhami; SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, along with other prominent personalities and a large gathering of devotees.The participation of Nihang Singh Dal Panth, accompanied by elephants, camels and horses, added to the traditional Khalsa splendour of the procession. Students from various schools also joined the march. Addressing the gathering, Gargaj said the doctrine of Miri Piri the soul of Sikhism. He said it inspires Sikhs to remain spiritually connected with the Almighty while standing firmly against oppression, injustice and tyranny. He recalled that after the martyrdom of the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev, Guru Hargobind Sahib established Akal Takht , conveying that the ideal Sikh must embody the qualities of both a saint and a soldier. By beating the Nagara (war drum), the guru proclaimed the Sikh community’s independent identity and self-respect, he said. SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal congratulated the Sikh community on Miri Piri Diwas and urged every Sikh to participate in the march, which has been organised under the patronage of Akal Takht to propagate Sikh principles. He appealed to devotees to welcome the march at various halts along its route and participate with their families. Badal said every directive issued by Akal Takht holds supreme importance for the Panth, and the entire Sikh community should become part of the Miri Piri Khalsa March being organised in accordance with its directives. Speaking to the media, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said the unique doctrine of Miri Piri has provided the Sikh community with an unparalleled balance between spirituality and social responsibility. Despite centuries of challenges, the philosophy continues to inspire the Sikh Panth. Dhami said the objective of the march is to take this great legacy to every household and connect the younger generation with Gurbani, Gurmat, and the supreme authority of Akal Takht. He said the enthusiastic participation of Sikh organisations, sects and devotees demonstrates the Sikh community’s enduring commitment to Akal Takht. Earlier, on the occasion of Miri Piri Diwas, the bhog of Akhand Path was performed at Akal Takht following which Ragi jathas rendered devotional hymns.
