CM Kejriwal: Delhi govt will provide free pilgrimage to Kartarpur

Ahead of the 550th Prakash Purab Celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday stated that the on-going odd-even scheme will not be applicable in the state for November 11 and November 12. The Delhi Chief Minister informed about the pilgrimage to the Kartarpur Corridor being included in the Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana. While announcing the same, the Delhi CM said, "On the occasion of the 550th Prakash Parv of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the Delhi Government has taken a historic decision, under the Chief Minister's pilgrimage scheme, now the elders of Delhi will also be shown darshan of Kartarpur Sahib, the Delhi Government will pay all the fees incurred in this journey."

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During the press conference, the Delhi CM also spoke about waiving off odd-even rule for November 11 and November 12. He said, "A lot of Sikh groups and organisations came to me and told me that the odd-even rule on November 11 and November 12 will cause a lot of problems for the Sikh devotees travelling to Delhi for the celebrations of GFuru Nanak Dev Ji's 550th birth anniversary. Keeping in mind the request from the Sikh organisations, Delhi Government has decided to take back the odd-even rule on November 11 and November 12, so that people participating in the celebrations don't have to face any kind of problem."

READ | Sirsa asks a change in odd-even dates citing Guru Nanak Prakash Purab

Sirsa's letter to Kejriwal

Shiromani Akali Dal member, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, had written to Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal on September 14 requesting him to either pre-pone or postpone the odd-even dates in New Delhi. In his letter addressed to the Delhi CM, he has referenced a recent announcement made by the Government of NCT of Delhi regarding the implementation of the odd-even vehicle rationing plan which will be implemented in New Delhi from 4th November to 15th November.

In his letter, Manjinder Sirsa had requested the Delhi CM to either postpone or pre-pone the odd-even vehicle rationing plan citing the 550th Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji which falls on November 12. The letter further informs about a grand Nagar Kirtan that will be organised from Gurudwara Sisganj Sahib to Gurudwara Nanak Piao Sahib at the G.T Karnal road in New Delhi.

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PM Modi on Guru Nanak Dev Ji's 550th Prakash Purab

During his 58th 'Mann Ki Baat' radio address, Prime Minister also briefly spoke about the 550th Prakash Purab celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, which will be celebrated across the world on November 12. PM Modi stated the significance of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings.PM Modi said, "November 12 is the day, when, the whole world will celebrate the 550th Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Today not only India but the whole world is witnessing the impact of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. There are many Sikh brothers and sisters across the world who are completely dedicated to the teachings and beliefs of Guru Nanak."

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(With inputs from ANI)