Coronavirus: Gurdwara Nangali Sahib to not hold Baisakhi celebrations for first time since 1803

Dinesh Manhotra
Tribune News Service
Jammu, April 12

For the first time since its establishment in 1803, Gurdwara Dera Nangali Sahib in Jammu and Kashmir will not host its annual Baisakhi festival due to the deadly coronavirus.

The shrine is situated in the Poonch district of Jammu.

All Sikh organisations of J&K have unanimously decided not to organise this year’s Baisakhi festival at the gurudwara after Mahant Manjit Singh—head of this holy shrine— directed devotees to follow the protocol of the lockdown to beat the coronavirus.

“On the direction of Mahant Manjit Singhji, we have decided to cancel all religious and social events. Sangat has been advised to perform all religious function at their homes only”, ex-president of State Gurdwara Parbandhak Board (SGPB) president, Sudershan Singh Wazir told The Tribune, adding: “first time in the history Baisakhi festival will not be held at Gurdwara Dera Nangali Sahib”. 

Every year a function is held at the gurdwara on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi. Numerous devotees from J&K and around the world participate in the day-long function of Baisakhi.

“On the direction of Mahant Manjit Singhji we have decided to cancel all religious and social events. Sangat has been advised to perform all religious function at their homes only”, ex-president of State Gurdwara Parbandhak Board (SGPB) president, Sudershan Singh Wazir told The Tribune, adding: “first time in the history Baisakhi festival will not be held at Gurdwara Dera Nangali Sahib”.  

Meanwhile, various Sikh organisations of J&K have announced to follow the appeal made by Jathedar Shri Akal Takhat Sahib, Amritsar, that on the occasion of Baisakhi, the Sikhs will avoid gathering and remain in their respective homes and do indoor Simran and help in maintaining lockdown.

“Because Coronavirus pandemic is spreading with a strong magnitude, so it is the need of the hour to maintain physical distancing to reverse the contagious disease. We request authorities to provide the adequate facilities /protection kits to the medical staff working day night in saving the patients of coronavirus. It is also requested to arrange more ventilators as there is the apprehension of the rise in coronavirus patients,” Sikh organisations stated. 

“Because Coronavirus pandemic is spreading with a strong magnitude, so it is the need of the hour to maintain physical distancing to reverse the contagious disease. We request authorities to provide the adequate facilities /protection kits to the medical staff working day night in saving the patients of coronavirus. It is also requested to arrange more ventilators as there is apprehension of rise in coronavirus patients,” Sikh organisations stated.