Namdhari Khalsa march ends
From Tribune Reporters

ANANDPUR SAHIB, March 28 — A massive "Namdhari Sant Khalsa march", led by Satguru Jagjit Singh, head of Namdhari sect, taken out in connection with the tercentenary celebrations of the birth of the Khalsa, ended at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib here today.

The march, which covered a distance of about 125 km and passed through Samrala, Khamano, Morinda, Boormajra, Ropar and Kiratpur Sahib, began today after the performance of "ardas" from Bhaini Sahib in Ludhiana district.
Thousands of Namdharis, clad in their traditional white dress, thronged this "white city".

The march was received by Mr Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, along with Mr Charanjit Singh Atwal, Speaker, Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr Tara Singh Ladhal, MLA, Anandpur Sahib, Mr Jarnail Singh Aulakh and Jathedar Pritam Singh Sallomajra, both members of the SGPC from Anandpur Sahib and Chamkaur Sahib, respectively, near the "welcome gate" here on Ropar-Anandpur Sahib Road.

Talking to mediapersons, Mr Badal appealed to all heads of sects to come here and join the tercentenary celebrations. He said he welcomed all, irrespective of the caste, creed and religion, as his Guru had taught him to seek "sarbat da bhalla". He added that this message of the Gurus would be disseminated throughout the world, especially during the tercentenary celebrations.

The march was accompanied by Mr H.S. Hanspal, former MP and president of Namdhari darbar, Bhaini Sahib, Mr Darshan Singh Brar, former minister, Mr Surinder Singh, Mr Jagdish Singh waryam and Mr Gurbhajan Singh Sanyasi, vice-president, general secretary and press secretary of the Namdhari darbar, respectively.

Later, Mr Badal and Satgur Jagjit Singh visited Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib along with others and paid obeisance. Giani Tarlochan Singh, Head Granthi of the Takht presented "siropa" to Mr Badal, Satguru Jagjit Singh, Mr H.S. Hanspal and Mr Manoranjan Kalia, Punjab Health Minister.

According to Mr Gubhajan Singh Sanyasi, press secretary of the Namdhari darbar, Namdharis from Australia, Canada, Africa, England, Germany, America, Dubai and Bangkok also participated.

LUDHIANA: Earlier the Namdhari sangat recited 'Assa Di Var' in wee hours at Bhani Sahib and then the yatra began after paying respect to Sat Guru Jagjit Singh. The route was decorated and welcome arches were put up at regular intervals.

The 'yatra' was received in Ludhiana district at Samrala by Jathedar Kirpal Singh Khirnia, a member of the SGPC, Mr Amrik Singh, MLA, Mr Fateh Singh and a few BJP leaders. People from various villages like Katani Kalan, Katani Khurd, Kot Gangu Rai, Neelon, Bijalipur, Ghulal Chehlan Bondli etc gathered in large number to greet the 'yatra' in which Namdhari sangat was reciting 'simran'.