Anandpur Sahib, June 17 – The year-long celebrations of the 350th anniversary of Anandpur Sahib, associated with the birth of the Khalsa, begin on June 19. An Akhand path sahib was started today at Gurdwara Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib.
Earlier known as Makhowal, the town was founded by Guru Teg Bahadur. He called it Chak Nanki after the name of his mother. It is beleived that the foundation was laid on June 19, 1665. On the occasion of Baisakhi in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh first five Sikhs called the Panj Piares, the five beloved ones in 1699 at this place, marking the birth of the Khalsa.
The SGPC has constituted a committee to celebrate the town’s 350th anniversary. EcoSikh, a non-government organisation, 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.