Jatha of pilgrims left for Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib to celebrate “Milap Diwas”

Ludhiana, September 1: A delegation of thousands of pilgrims under the
banner of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur International Foundation led by its
patron Jagdev Singh Jassowal, president Krishan Kumar Bawa and noted
intellectual Dr. Shivraj Singh today left for Sachkhand Sri Hazur
Sahib to celebrate “Milap Diwas” on the occasion of “Parkash Utsav” of
holy Guru Granth Sahib.
When they boarded in the train at the local railway station, pilgrims
raised slogan “Bole So Nihal Sat Sri Akal”.
On the occasion, the pilgrims experienced rain of flower petals
carried out under the leadership of the foundation general secretary
Hardyal Singh Aman.
Besides, M. R. Azad’s gatka party exhibited their skills.
Speaking on the occasion, MLAs Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Gurkirat Singh
Kotli, Surinder Dawar and Mohammad Sadique lauded the efforts being
made by Baba Banda Singh Bahadur International Foundation. They
pointed out that the federation was doing such a job that was supposed
to be done by the present government and the SGPC.
Briefing about the importance of the day, both Bawa and Jassowal told
that the historic meeting of Guru Gobind Singh with Baba Banda Singh
Bahadur (then Madho Das Bairagi) on the banks of the Godavari on
September 3, 1708 had paved way for the saint to turn into a soldier
and take onto the might of Moghul Empire. “This is why Milap Diwas is
observed at Nanded Sahib in Maharashtra in September”, they revealed.
They sought that a portrait of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur be installed
in the Parliament and the Punjab Vidhan sabha premises. They also
urged the government to maintain places such as Mehrauli, Nangal
Garhi, Punch Rajouri and Chapar Chiri as “historic monuments”, as
these places were associated to the life of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur.
They also appealed to the farmers to install pictures of Baba Banda
Singh Bahadur inside their houses because this brave soldier made
possible for the farmers to become landlords from farm workers.
Further, they told that Bhog of Sri Akhand Path would take place at
Sri Hazur Sahib on September 3 followed by Kirtan Darbar. They said
during a massive function, prominent personalities of the Sikh
Religion would be honoured  in collaboration with Managing Committee
of Sri Hazur Sahib.
Among others, Bairagi Mahamandal chairman Haridas Bawa, secretary
Jaswant Singh Makkar, Balwant Singh Dhanoya, Karnail Singh Gill,
Manjit Kataria, Moti Sood, NS Nanda, Arjun Bawa, Sanjay Thakur,
Tarsem, Rawal Singh, Baljinder Singh and Gaurav were present to see
off the pilgrims at the railway station.