The historic city of Patna witnessed a profound spiritual culmination as the 359th Prakash Parv of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, concluded with immense devotion at the Takhat Sri Harmandir Ji Patna Sahib Gurdwara on Saturday. The sacred premises resonated with the chants of 'Jo Bole So Nihal' as thousands of devotees from across the globe gathered to honor the Guru's birth.
A Three-Day Spiritual Spectacle
While the main celebrations were concentrated over three days, the devotional atmosphere had been building since December 15. The build-up featured daily prabhat pheris (morning processions), vibrant nagar kirtans, and enlightening gurmat samagams. These events were graced by performances from renowned Ragi Jathas, filling the birthplace of the Guru with divine music and hymns.
The final day saw high-profile visits, with Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar joining the congregation. Both leaders participated in prayers and sought blessings. Following the recital of the akhand path around midnight, the akhand path bhog was distributed to devotees, and the night sky was illuminated with celebratory fireworks marking the Guru's birth time.
Commitments to Heritage and Healthcare
Addressing the gathered devotees, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar reiterated the state government's dedication to preserving the rich heritage of Patna Sahib. During the event, he released 'Gobind Prakash', the official magazine of the Takht. Governor Arif Mohammed Khan released the Sikh Jantri and the new year calendar, stating, "May the teachings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji continue to inspire humanity towards bravery, sacrifice, and equality."
In a significant announcement to honor the Guru and his sons, the foundation stone for the 'Char Sahibzade MRI and CT Scan Centre' was laid by the Governor at Mangal Talab. This charitable diagnostic facility is planned on 10,000 square yards of land provided by him. It is a collaborative project between the Takht Patna Sahib management committee and Mumbai-based philanthropist Gurinder Singh Bawa.
A Tribute for the Community
Jagjot Singh Sohi, president of the Takht committee, explained the vision behind the centre. "This centre is a tribute to the four Sahibzades. We aim to provide world-class diagnostic facilities at rates significantly lower than the market to serve the underprivileged," he said. The construction (Kar Seva) has been entrusted to Baba Gurwinder Singh of the Bhuri Wale sect, with a target to make it operational within one year. The committee also revealed plans for a cancer prevention centre in the project's second phase.
The 359th Prakash Parv not only reinforced the spiritual bonds of the Sikh community but also set in motion a lasting legacy of service to humanity, echoing the core teachings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
