Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Friday visited Takht Sri Patna Sahib in Bihar to review the arrangements for the 350th Parkash Utsav celebrations of Guru Gobind Singh that will get underway on January 5.
Badal, accompanied by SAD president and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Avtar Singh Makkar and Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president Manjit Singh GK, also met his Bihar counterpart Nitish Kumar in connection with the celebrations.
It was decided in the meeting that a high-powered committee would be constituted under Punjab Chief Minister, with Deputy Chief Minister, SGPC president, DSGMC president and Sikh scholars as members to work out modalities for the celebrations.
Kumar told the delegation that 75 acres of land had been identified for the celebrations as a heavy turnout of devotees was expected to visit the place.
Badal thanked Kumar saying that the Punjab Government would do their best to observe the occasion with religious fervour.
He said that a Sikh conclave would be held in Patna around Baisakhi to propagate the life and works of the tenth guru.
Badal assured Kumar that he, along with Sukhbir, would soon meet Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu to seek his approval for the upgradation of the Patna railway station.
He also urged Bihar Chief Minister to allot suitable chunk of land in Patna to set up some institutions.
Sukhbir apprised Kumar that he had already taken up the issue with Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for making special budgetary provision for the commemoration of 350th Parkash Utsav of Guru Gobind Singh in the next Union Budget.
Badal, addressing the media at the Takht, said: “The participation of all sections of society is important for making the celebrations a success. I have requested Nitish Kumar to assist us in the celebrations and he has assured full support. I believe all development and beautification works will be completed within the stipulated time.”
Earlier, Badal, Sukhbir and other dignitaries paid obeisance at Takht Sri Patna Sahib and were presented with siropas. Badal and Sukhbir also met RJD supremo lalu Prasad Yadav at his residence.