Punjab to Take Up Holy City Status for Nanded with Maharashtra, Says CM Mann at Takht Sri Hazur Sahib

Nanded:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday bowed in reverence at Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib and announced that his government would formally raise the demand for granting holy city status to Nanded Sahib with the Maharashtra Government, terming it a long-overdue recognition of the sacred town’s unparalleled spiritual importance.

Recalling that the Punjab Government has already declared Sri Amritsar Sahib, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo as holy cities, the Chief Minister said his government remains firmly committed to the Guru Sahiban and their legacy. He described Nanded Sahib as a sacred centre not only for Sikhs but for the whole of humanity, as Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji spent a significant part of his life on this hallowed land.

After paying obeisance at the shrine of Kalgi Dhar Patshah Ji and interacting with the shrine management, CM Mann witnessed a large turnout of devotees and local residents, reflecting the deep spiritual bond between the Panth and its historic institutions.

Addressing the gathering, he said the Punjab Government would impress upon the Maharashtra Government to accord holy city status to Nanded Sahib as a fitting tribute to Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He reminded that last year, on the Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji in November, the Punjab Government had designated the three Takht towns as holy cities. The official notification granting holy city status to the walled city area of Amritsar, Talwandi Sabo and Sri Anandpur Sahib has already been issued, fulfilling a long-standing demand of the Sikh sangat across the world.

“On similar lines, Nanded Sahib also deserves this recognition, and Punjab will make all possible efforts in this direction,” the Chief Minister said.

He also announced a complete facelift of the Punjab Bhawan in Nanded Sahib. The building, constructed by the Punjab Government, will be upgraded with ultra-modern facilities to ensure better accommodation and convenience for devotees. CM Mann added that the supply of Verka milk products in Nanded would be further streamlined for the benefit of pilgrims. “No stone will be left unturned to provide every possible facility to the devotees visiting this sacred place,” he said.

Highlighting the contribution of Punjabis to the nation, the Chief Minister said they have played a historic role in India’s freedom struggle, in achieving self-reliance in food production, and in safeguarding the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country. He said Punjabis are always at the forefront in defending the borders and are among the first to reach disaster-hit areas to serve humanity, often even before organised relief agencies.

Reiterating his government’s commitment to preserving Sikh heritage, CM Mann said the Punjab Government is duty bound to carry forward the glorious legacy of the Guru Sahibans to younger generations. He said the recent commemoration of the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji at Sri Anandpur Sahib was part of this sustained effort to keep the youth connected with the life, philosophy and sacrifices of the Gurus.

At Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, the Chief Minister offered prayers for the progress, development and prosperity of Punjab and its people. He described the Takht as one of the five highest seats of religious authority in Sikhism, which provide spiritual, temporal and moral strength to the community. He listed the other four Takhts as Sri Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar, Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib in Sri Anandpur Sahib, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib in Talwandi Sabo and Takht Sri Patna Sahib in Bihar.

Paying rich tributes to Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, CM Mann said the Dashmesh Pitaah made unparalleled sacrifices to uphold secular values, safeguard human rights and ensure religious freedom, even laying down his entire family for these ideals. He noted that the Guru Sahib spent a considerable part of his life on the sacred land of Nanded Sahib, further enhancing its historic and spiritual stature.

Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to pay obeisance at the holy shrine, the Chief Minister said he sought divine blessings to serve the people of Punjab with humility and dedication. He reaffirmed his government’s resolve to serve people of all castes, colours, creeds and religions and to work tirelessly towards building a harmonious and inclusive society.