Historic gathering planned as Punjab Legislative Assembly prepares for special session in Anandpur Sahib

The Punjab government is set to hold a special assembly session at Anandpur Sahib on Monday to mark the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Teg Bahadur. This will be the first time that a session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha is held outside the state capital, Chandigarh. The event is part of a larger three-day programme organised by the state government from November 23 to 25 to pay tribute to the ninth Sikh Guru and his unmatched sacrifice made in 1675.

According to officials, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government will also use this occasion to present and highlight its achievements over the past four years since coming to power in 2022. It is expected that the ruling party will outline the work it claims to have done in areas such as health, education, infrastructure, and governance reforms.

In preparation for the historic session, a special, makeshift assembly hall has been set up at Anandpur Sahib. This temporary structure has been designed to replicate the look and setting of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in Chandigarh, allowing lawmakers to conduct proceedings in an environment similar to the official assembly chamber.

The three-day event includes a variety of cultural and spiritual activities meant to honour Guru Teg Bahadur’s life, teachings, and supreme sacrifice for the protection of religious freedom. The government aims to combine tradition, history, and community participation to make the occasion meaningful for people of all ages.

One of the key attractions of the programme is a “Sheesh Bheint” nagar kirtan, where devotees participate in a religious procession. Alongside this, a heritage walk has been organised to help visitors and pilgrims explore the historical and spiritual importance of Anandpur Sahib. The walk will showcase several important locations linked to Sikh history.

Cultural events such as a dhadi and kavi darbar, which include traditional storytelling, poetry, and music, have also been planned. These performances aim to retell stories of courage, devotion, and the teachings of Guru Teg Bahadur in a way that is engaging and accessible to all age groups. A special lecture on the Guru’s life will be delivered by scholars, highlighting his spiritual philosophy and his stand in favour of oppressed communities.

Visitors will also get to see traditional Sikh martial arts through a display of gatka, showcasing strength, discipline, and self-defence techniques. To add a modern touch, the event programme includes a drone show as well. A Kirtan Darbar, where devotional hymns are sung, will provide a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere for devotees.

On November 25, the final day of the commemorative events, the government has planned several state-wide activities. These include blood donation drives and plantation drives across Punjab. A “Sarbat Da Bhalla” congregation will be organised to spread the message of universal welfare. Another drone show will also take place on the concluding day. These events will not only pay tribute to Guru Teg Bahadur but also honour the sacrifices of Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das and Bhai Dyala, who were martyred alongside the Guru.

ALSO READ: What happens if antibiotics stop working: the rising threat of superbugs

ALSO READ: How stable tax rules can rebuild business trust and boost growth

Mixed reality experience brings Guru’s legacy closer to youth

In an effort to connect young people with Sikh history in a modern and engaging way, the Punjab government has introduced a 360-degree mixed reality (MR) experience dedicated to Guru Teg Bahadur’s life. Officials announced on Sunday that this digital initiative has been set up at the event venue to allow visitors to explore important chapters from the Guru’s life using their smartphones.

Visitors will be able to access the MR experience simply by scanning QR codes placed around the venue. Once scanned, the technology will merge virtual visuals with the real environment, creating an immersive storytelling experience. The aim is to blend tradition with modern innovation so that younger generations can understand the depth of Guru Teg Bahadur’s sacrifices in a more relatable way.

The MR platform has been developed with technical support from Flam, a company specialising in mixed and augmented reality. According to officials, the digital interface uses detailed visuals, historical references, and authentic narration to recreate key moments from the Guru’s life. The experience includes scenes such as his coronation, his defence of religious freedom, his courage in the face of oppression, and his martyrdom at Chandni Chowk. It also depicts the secret cremation of the Guru at Rakab Ganj Sahib, an important event remembered in Sikh history.

The central theme of the MR experience is titled “The Eternal Flame of Sacrifice”. It features 11 major chapters from the Guru’s life story. Each chapter is designed to highlight his unwavering commitment to protecting human rights and standing up against injustice. References from the Guru Granth Sahib and preserved historical records have been included to ensure authenticity.

Government officials say that this initiative is meant to serve as a bridge between history and the modern era. Technology is being used not just for entertainment but to inspire citizens, especially youth, by giving them a deeper and more emotional understanding of Guru Teg Bahadur’s teachings. Through this combination of virtual elements and real-world surroundings, viewers can experience the Guru’s legacy in a way that feels vivid and alive.

With both traditional and modern elements included in the three-day commemorative programme, the Punjab government hopes to create an event that honours the Guru while making the occasion meaningful for people of all generations. The special assembly session and the digital initiatives together reflect the state’s commitment to preserving history while embracing new ways of learning and connecting with the past.