Patna Gears Up for Grand Prakash Utsav Celebrating 359th Birth Anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji

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From Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Preparations are in their final stages to celebrate the 359th birth anniversary of the tenth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj, as a grand Prakash Utsav in a devotional and festive atmosphere this year. The historic Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib in Patna City and its surrounding areas, including Kangan Ghat, Bal Leela Sthal and the main gurdwara परिसर, are being elaborately decorated for the occasion.

Both the Bihar government and the Union government are extending active support for the celebrations. The Ministry of Railways has already approved halts for 19 pairs of trains at Patna Sahib railway station to facilitate pilgrims. The three-day Prakash Utsav will be observed from 25 to 27 December at Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib, with thousands of devotees from across the country and abroad expected to attend.

The gurdwara management committee, district administration and several voluntary organisations are jointly overseeing the arrangements. The gurdwara complex is being adorned with decorative lighting and flowers, enhancing its splendour at night. Nearby roads and lanes are also being decorated, while special emphasis is being laid on cleanliness and civic facilities for pilgrims.

The state’s Tourism Minister said it was a matter of pride for the Bihar government to welcome Sikh devotees arriving at Patna Sahib on the occasion of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Prakash Parv. He said the objective was to ensure that every pilgrim experienced Bihar’s tradition of hospitality, cleanliness and spirit of service. The festival, he added, would further strengthen Bihar’s cultural identity and promote religious tourism.

Akhand Path to Begin on December 25

According to the gurdwara management committee, the celebrations will include Akhand Path Sahib, shabad kirtan, katha-kirtan and discourses on Gurmat. The Akhand Path will commence on 25 December and conclude with bhog on 27 December. A grand Nagar Kirtan is also proposed, featuring the Panj Pyare, Nishan Sahib and kirtan groups. The procession will pass through various routes of Patna City, connecting devotees with Sikh traditions and history.

Round-the-Clock Langar and Extensive Arrangements

A 24-hour Guru ka Langar will be organised throughout the festival, with arrangements in place to serve thousands of devotees. A large number of sewadars are engaged in service. Special facilities have also been arranged for accommodation, medical assistance and drinking water.

Security arrangements have been tightened, with CCTV surveillance, deployment of police personnel and volunteers, and a special traffic management plan to ensure smooth movement and minimise inconvenience. The gurdwara management committee has appealed to devotees to participate in the Prakash Utsav with discipline and devotion, and to cooperate with the administration and volunteers. The Prakash Utsav, they said, is not only a religious celebration but also a message of brotherhood, service and humanity.

High-Level Review Meeting Held

Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Arun Shankar Prasad chaired a high-level review meeting at the Tourism Department office in the state secretariat to assess preparations for the Prakash Parv. Tourism Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh, Tourism Director Udayan Mishra, BSTDC General Manager Chandan Chauhan and other officials were present.

The meeting reviewed in detail the arrangements for accommodation, tourist facilities and information centres for Sikh devotees arriving from India and abroad. The minister directed officials to ensure that all works were completed on time and to high standards. Officials informed that all necessary preparations had been completed, including the construction of a tent city with modern facilities and tourist information centres.

Traffic Restrictions and Route Diversions Announced

In view of the Prakash Utsav to be held from 25 to 27 December, the district and traffic administration has gone on full alert. A detailed traffic route map has been issued, imposing several restrictions on vehicular movement. Parking sites have been identified at three locations in Patna City for the convenience of devotees, including those arriving from other states.

The traffic police said that lakhs of devotees are expected to visit Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib during the festival, which usually affects traffic movement in the area for several days. To ensure smooth flow, a special route plan has been prepared in advance.

From midnight of 24 December to midnight of 28 December, the entry of heavy vehicles—especially those carrying construction materials such as cement, sand and stone chips—will be completely prohibited. Vehicles coming from Didarganj will not be allowed to proceed westwards on Ashok Rajpath and will be diverted via the New Bypass.

Goods vehicles supplying essentials to the Market Committee will be permitted to operate only between 2 am and 4 am. From 4 am on 25 December to 6 am on 27 December, the movement of autos and other commercial vehicles will be completely banned on Ashok Rajpath from Gaighat to Purab Darwaza. These vehicles will be diverted via Gaighat–Danka Imli–Nawab Bahadur Road–Sudarshan Path–Tulsi Mandi–Agamkuan ROB.

During the main events, from 25 December to 6 am on 28 December, all vehicular movement between Paschim Darwaza and Purab Darwaza will remain completely prohibited. Additionally, from **4 am on 26 December to midnight**, all vehicles will be barred from Ashok Rajpath between Gaighat and Didarganj.

Special arrangements have been made for emergency services. In case of emergencies, PMCH can be accessed via Kangan Ghat and JP Setu Path, while NMCH can be reached via the Danka Imli route from Gaighat. Parking facilities have been earmarked near the Market Committee, Didarganj, Mangal Talab Chowk police station area and Kangan Ghat Chowk police station.

The administration has appealed to the public to strictly follow the notified route map and cooperate to ensure that devotees face no inconvenience during the Prakash Utsav celebrations.