Bihar gears up for prakash parv celebrations

Large-scale preparations are underway in the state for the festivities. Bihar is gearing up to host grand celebrations to mark the 350th Prakash Parv of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh

guru who was born in Patna. Large-scale preparations are underway in the state for the festivities.  In January, the Bihar government had organised a three-day inaugural function, which was

attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and more than five lakh Sikh devotees from across the world. This put Bihar on the global map. The state government has sanctioned Rs 52 crore for

the concluding ceremony. As Patna Sahib is considered to be one of the holiest destinations by Sikhs, more than three lakh pilgrims are expected to take part in the closing ceremony from

December 23 to 25.   Understandably, the state government does not want to leave any stone unturned and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is monitoring the preparations. The arrangements include

construction of tent cities, strengthening civic amenities such as roads, parking, power supply, sanitation and medical facilities, in the tent cities as well as near the Sri Takhat

Harmandir Sahib Gurudwara area, and organisation of “langar” etc.  Officials said the tent cities, which were likely to accommodate around 40,000 pilgrims, would be ready by the end of

November. The CM has directed that roads be levelled and there is proper ventilation, toilets and mosquito nets for the visitors. The beautification of Kangan ghat, a major attraction for

Sikh pilgrims as it got its name from Guru Gobind Singh throwing his bangle here, is also underway. Besides construction of “langars” (community kitchen), it will also witness some action in

form of Gatka, martial arts and horse-riding stunts. To make the 350th Prakashotsava memorable, the state government is planning a multipurpose centre-cum-park on the life and works of Guru

Gobind Singh. The proposal has been sanctioned by the Government of India along with a sum of Rs 50 crore for its construction and it is likely to be ready in 18 months. GRAND EVENT In

January, the Bihar government had organised a three-day inaugural function, which was attended by PM Narendra Modi