Tercentenary celebrations begin today

ANANDPUR SAHIB, Nov 21 — Prof Manjit Singh, Jathedar, Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib today, extended an open invitation to Bhai Ranjit Singh, Jathedar, Sri Akal Takht, for participation in the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Khalsa Heritage Memorial Complex to be held here by the Panj Piaras tomorrow.

Talking to newsmen here this evening, Prof Manjit Singh said Bhai Ranjit Singh should join the celebrations as Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht and deliver a message to the Sikh community and represent the feelings of the community on the occasion.

It is reliably learnt that jathedars of three other Takhts will arrive here in the evening. Prof Manjit Singh, Jathedar Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib is already here. Bhai Joginder Singh, Jathedar, Takht Sri Hazoor Sahib, Giani Gurdip Singh, Vice-Jathedar, Takht Sri Patna Sahib, and Giani Kewal Singh, Jathedar, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, will participate in tomorrows celebrations.

According to official record of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, the following Singhs have been deputed for laying the foundation stone of the Khalsa Heritage Memorial Complex Bhai Major Singh, Bhai Harbans Singh, Bhai Satnam Singh, Bhai Darshan Singh and Bhai Ajaib Singh. These Panj Piaras are from Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib.

Prof Manjit Singh said the akhand path of Sri Guru Granth Sahib was going on at Sri Kesgarh Sahib. He said kirtan would be performed by Bhai Harjinder Singh Sri Nagar wale while ardas would be performed by him.

The jathedar also called upon the Sikhs throughout the world to celebrate the function on a grand scale as the first two centenary celebrations could not be held as the country was under the Mughal rule and the English rule.

Meanwhile, stage is set for tomorrow's function Capt Kanwaljit Singh, Finance Minister and overall in charge of the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Khalsa Heritage Memorial Complex today took stock of the arrangements. He also inspected the rehearsal of the Khalsa procession to be taken out from Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib to the site.

According to Capt Kanwaljit Singh, November 22 had been selected as on this day Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Guru, took over the (Guru gaddi). He said a 101-member jatha of Muslims would also be joining the celebrations.

All roads leading to Anandpur Sahib have been decorated with blue and saffron flags. Five makeshift/gates, erected in the name of Panj Piaras namely Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Sahib Singh, Bhai Mohkam Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh and Bhai Himmat Singh have been put up in the town.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made by the police.