Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Sunday visited Takht Sri Harmandir Patna Sahib and offered prayers on the occasion of 352nd Prakash Parv, the birth anniversary of 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Govind Singh.
Addressing the people who gathered in large numbers on the auspicious occasion at a specially built 'Diwan Hall' here, Kumar said "We had organized 350th Prakash Parv of 10th Sikh Guru on a grand scale two years ago. People of Bihar had welcomed the devotees from across the world".
"This (Patna) is the birth place of 10th Sikh Guru Guru Gobind Singh. It's a matter of pride for the people of Bihar. This is the same ancient Patliputra from where the entire country was ruled once. Patna Sahib site was the actual Patliputra. This is a historic place. Bihar is the place of knowledge, salvation and Nirvana," he said.
Patna Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, is considered one of the holiest places by Sikhs around the world, besides being a major tourist attraction for people from all communities.
The state government had organised inaugural programme of the Prakash Parv on a grand scale in January 2017 to mark the 350th birth anniversary of the 10th Sikh guru, followed by "Shukrana Samaroh" (thanksgiving or closing ceremony) of the anniversary function.
Kumar said that a gurudwara is being built near Shitalkund at Rajgir where Guru Nanak Dev, Sikhs' first Guru, had also visited in his lifetime.
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Construction of the gurudwara will be completed before the 550th 'Prakash Parv'. Sikh devotees from across the world will come here to offer their prayers to Guru Nanak Dev, he said.
Kumar said that preparations such as erecting tent city have been made at Baal Lila and Kanganghat of Patna Sahib.
In view of Sikh devotees visiting Bihar every year in huge numbers, the state government has to erect tent city, he said. The government has decided to construct a permanent community centre which will be used for special occasions and it will be handed over to the Gurudwara for 25-30 days during 'Prakash Parv' celebrations.
Kumar also visited Baal Lila Gurudwara and offered his prayers where he was welcomed with a 'Saropa and sword'.
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