Chandigarh, Punjab (June 17, 2014): It is learnt that the year-long celebrations of the 350th anniversary of Anandpur Sahib city are set to begin on June 19. An Akhand Paath was started on June 17 at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib. Earlier known as Makhowal, the town was founded by Ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Teg Bahadur Ji. The foundation was laid on June 19, 1665. On the occasion of Baisakhi in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh baptised “Panj Piare” at this place, marking the inauguration of the Khalsa.
The SGPC has constituted a committee to celebrate the town’s 350th anniversary. The town, that has a fort, is now a subdivisional headquarters where thousands of devotees and tourists gather for Hola Mohalla in March every year.
EcoSikh, a non-government organisation, in a press release sent to the Sikh Siyasat News (SSN) has appealed to the state government and the SGPC to work towards making this holy city eco-friendly.
Dr Rajwant Singh, president of EcoSikh, said: “Anandpur Sahib should be declared a green city. The town’s tranquil environment should be protected and preserved.”
Ranjodh Singh, state convener of EcoSikh, said: “Construction around sacred sites, such as Takht Sahib, should be restricted. The town’s serene environment should not be tampered with. The Punjab Government should declare Anandpur Sahib a plastic-free town.”
He said that in consonance with the trend worldwide, the state government should look at the possibility of promoting alternative systems of medicine in the area.
EcoSikh is working with national and international organisations to use technology to make Nanded Sahib, which houses Takht Hazur Sahib, an eco-friendly town.