International preparations for martyrdom anniversary

AMRITSAR: International level preparations are afoot to observe the 400th martyrdom anniversary of fifth Sikh guru, Guru Arjun Dev that is reportedly being observed for the first time officially by Punjab government, Pakistan in June next year. Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) had already begun chalking out programmes for observing the martyrdom anniversary with the help of foreign-based Sikhs and organizations .American Sikh sangat is all set to hold special functions at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore and invest millions of dollars for creating infrastructure for the visiting devotees. Back home, karsewa of Darbar Sahib, Tarn Taran is going on war footing. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is also preparing plans to observe the occasion on mega scale , though the committee is yet to decide whether to participate in the functions organized by PSGPC or not.
Baba Jagtar Singh Karsewa wale, Tarn Taran has put in more number of artisans and skilled labour from Banaras and Agra to finish the intrinsic work of exterior of Darbar Sahib, Tarn Taran . To facilitate the karsewa, the parkash of Sri Guru Granth Sahib is being held outside the sanctum sanctorum for time being said Baba Jagtar Singh while talking to TNN on Tuesday. The fresco work is being carried out using actual sketches said he. Jaswant Singh, technical supervisor of the karsewa said that natural colours were being used with special technology so they didn't fade even in coming centuries.
Pritpal Singh, convener of ASGPC told TNN over phone that there was too much of religious fervor among American Sikh sangat especially the younger ones for observing the 400th martyrdom anniversary in Pakistan. He said there was likelihood that Pakistan government might announce to handover the Chandu di haveli, associated with Guru Arjun Dev to Sikh sangat besides releasing of a postal stamp and taking out of nagar kirtans. Pritpal claimed hat he along with Manmohan Singh of World Muslim Sikh Federation and Avtar Singh Sangehra had meeting with Punjab (Pakistan) chief minister to chalk out the programmes at international level. Care is being taken to avoid giving the programme a political colour said he adding that invitations would be extended to all Sikh organizations including SGPC to attend the function.
Kiranjot Kaur, SGPC's executive member opined that the 400th martyrdom anniversary should be observed in Lahore, since Guru Arjun Dev was martyred there but it was an occasion which couldn't be on the mercy of another government for issuing visa's. Sangat should be free to attend the functions which was not possible in Pakistan. Kiranjot who had led the Sikh jatha to Pakistan said that Punjab (Pakistan) government was contemplating to observe the function officially.