*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann finalises series of events to celebrate 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji in unsurpassed manner*
*Punjab to hold year-long celebrations with seminars, kirtans, yatras & plantation drives for 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass ji: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Sant Samaj to guide global celebrations of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji’s Parkash Purab, our govt seeks inputs: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
*Punjab to take Sri Guru Ravidass ji’s message of equality & dignity to global stage: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
CHANDIGARH, 11th April 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday finalised the entire sequence of the events to be organised for commemorating the upcoming 650th parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass ji.
A decision to this effect was taken in the meeting of the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann with the Sant Samaj at Punjab Bhawan. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann outlined a series of statewide events and initiatives. These include seminars, kirtan samagams, yatras, plantation drives, and the development of 650 acres of ‘Guru Ravidass Bagichis’, with the main function to be held at Khuralgarh.
Commemorating the occasion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “I am fortunate to have got the opportunity to commemorate the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji and the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass ji. The state government will leave no stone unturned in celebrating the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass ji, as it is our collective duty to spread Guru ji’s message across the globe.”
He said, “Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj ji envisioned an egalitarian society free from any form of discrimination. The Punjab government will ensure that the upcoming 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj ji is celebrated in an unsurpassed manner. We have recently commemorated the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji through a series of events.”
Outlining preparations, the Punjab CM shared, “Year-long events have been planned to celebrate the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj ji in an unparalleled manner. Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj ji gave the message of welfare of the entire humanity and equality of all sections, laying the foundation of an egalitarian society where no one suffers.”
Reiterating commitment, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasised, “Our government is committed to building a society based on the teachings and philosophy of Sri Guru Ravidass ji, which continue to guide humanity towards equality. Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj ji was a great spiritual ambassador and messiah of the poor and underprivileged, who taught us to lead a virtuous and noble life. This Parkash Purab is an occasion to rededicate ourselves to creating a society where every individual lives with self-respect and dignity, free from discrimination.”
Seeking guidance, the Chief Minister said, “I seek blessings and suggestions from the Sant Samaj to commemorate the 650th Parkash Purab in a befitting manner across the globe. It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that these celebrations are being held during my tenure. The government will ensure that they are organised in the most befitting manner, and I urge the Sant Samaj to guide us with their suggestions and inputs for shaping the programmes.”
It was decided that the year long celebrations will include Seminars and Workshops, Special Kirtan Samagam, Tirth Yatra, School wise Competitions, Documentary Shows, Drone Shows, Blood Donation Camps, Plantation drive. It is also decided that the main function will be held at Khuralgarh along with Release of Pendant. Establishment of Guru Ravidass Ji's Bagichis on Total 650 Acres of Panchayati land throughout Punjab through Plantation Drive of 6.50 lakhs saplings on an average per district along with Marathon, Shobha Yatras, Cycle Rallies and others.
The main event dedicated to 650th Parkash Purab will include Inauguration of exhibition on life of Guru Ravidass ji, Katha and Kirtan Darbar, Sant Samelan dedicated to the contributions of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji, 3D Projection at Minar-e-Begumpura, Drone Show, A conference on Bani of Guru Ravidass ji and others.
On the occasion, Cabinet Ministers Harpal Singh Cheema, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, Lal Chand Kataruchak and Dr Ravjot, Lok Sabha MP Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal, Advisor Tourism and Cultural Affairs Deepak Bali and others were also present.
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*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Cabinet clears amendment to anti-beadbi law to make punishments more stringent & deter beadbi of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji*
*Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026 provides for stringent punishment, including life imprisonment, to deter ‘Beadbi’ & uphold sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji*
*Amendment Bill to be introduced on Monday in special session of Punjab Vidhan Sabha*
CHANDIGARH; 11 April 2026:Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday cleared a stringent amendment to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, with provision of life imprisonment to ensure strict punishment for ‘Beadbi’ (sacrilege) and uphold the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji. The amendment Bill will be introduced on Monday in a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha.
A decision to this effect was taken by the Council of Ministers in a meeting held under the chairmanship of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann. Disclosing this, the Chief Minister’s Office said, “There have been several incidents in the past involving the beadbi of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji and other revered Holy Scriptures, which have deeply hurt public sentiments by bruising their psyche and caused unrest in society. While Sections 298, 299, and 300 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 do address such matters, they do not prescribe sufficiently stringent punishments to serve as a strong deterrent against such acts.
After careful consideration and discussion, the Bhagwant Mann Government has decided that appropriate legal measures are required to safeguard the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji and to promote mutual respect, understanding, and communal harmony in the society.”
In view of the seriousness of these offences and the need to preserve communal harmony and religious sanctity, the Cabinet has decided to amend the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2008. Thus, the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026 stipulates enhanced penalties, including life imprisonment, for those found guilty of committing beadbi against Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji. The proposed legislation is expected to act as a strong deterrent against individuals with malicious intent and to contribute positively towards maintaining peace and communal goodwill in Punjab.”