Takht Patna Sahib to take out yatra of Guru Gobind Singh's relics

Devootes-at-Darshan-Didar-Yatra-in-Amritsar

Sikh devotees across the country will soon get a rare opportunity to see Guru Gobind Singh's relics. The nationwide yatra will be taken out in the run-up to the congregation to mark the Guru's 350th birth anniversary, to be held at the Patna Sahib gurdwara on January 5, 2017. Patna is the birthplace of the 10th Sikh Guru.

The management committee of the Takht Sri Patna Sahib has decided to take out the yatra in an airconditioned vehicle displaying the Guru's 'shastar' (arms) and other items. The idea behind the yatra is to create mass awareness about
the congregation, said Sajendra Singh, general secretary of the Takht management committee.

The relics preserved in the Patna Sahib gurdwara include a small sword carried by the Guru as a child, four arrows he used to break pots, a baghnakh khanjar (dagger) and his khadau (footwear) made of ivory.

"Most of these items are kept in a glass casing at the Takht. But this is the first time they will be on display for public viewing across the country," said a member of the management committee.

He added that about 20 lakh devotees were expected to assemble for the Guru's 350th birth anniversary celebrations.
The jathedars of all five Takhts are reaching here later this month to finalise the yatra itinerary and take decisions on other issues pertaining to the celebrations,

"The jathedars will hold a meeting with office-bearers of the Takht Patna Sahib management committee on July 19 to work out the details," Sajendra Singh told HT.

He said the Takht management committee was working round the clock to give a new look to Guru Gobind Singh's birthplace.

The gurdwara's dome has being gold-plated and intricate gold work on its inside, on the lines of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, is nearing completion.

Work is also on since last year to renovate the Guru Darbar. Workers from Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are on the job.

"The massive revamp plan for Takht Sri Patna Sahib will be carried out at an estimated cost of Rs 500-600 crore," said another member of the Takht management committee.

"A Mumbai-based devotee has come forward to get 100 rooms constructed at Guru Ka Bagh, located near the gurdwara, for the sewadars (gurdwara staff)," the member added.

"More than four lakh NRIs are expected to contribute to the development work in and around the gurdwara," the management committee member said.

The Dharmik Darshan Yatra, a statewide yatra displaying relics of Sikh Gurus, had been organised recently in Punjab.