Country India | ||
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Begins December 30, 2016 (2016-12-30) Ends January 5, 2017 (2017-01-05) Organised by Tourism Department, Government of Bihar |
The 350th Prakash Parv (also Prakash Utsav) or birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh ji was celebrated in January 2017 in Patna, India. 2017 is the year of the 350th anniversary of the 10th Sikh Guru, a spiritual master, warrior, poet and philosopher. At the date of this anniversary, a number of events was organized on the occasion in Patna marking a grand celebration in their history.
Contents
Development and preparation
Just as the construction of the over-bridge, which connects Guru Gobind Path with the National Highway is undergoing for the 350th anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, several major construction projects have been undertaken for the 350th anniversary celebrations.
Host city
Patna, the capital city of Bihar is the birthplace of Shri Guru Gobind Singh ji and host city for 350th anniversary celebrations. Most of the celebrations is scheduled to take place in the neighbourhood of Patna City, close to Takht Sri Patna Sahib Gurudwara. The famous Takht Sri Patna Sahib Gurudwara is an important shrine for Sikhs from all over the world. Patna Sahib is considered to be the second most important Takhat, according to religious importance. Patna City is the old area of Patna, located on the eastern side of the state capital. The Government of Bihar will host the first ever International Sikh Conclave from 22 to 24 September 2016.
Funding
Together, municipal, provincial and federal levels, that is, all three levels of federal government is contributing funds for the events and new infrastructure planned for the celebrations. In September 2014, officials of the Takht Shri Patna Saheb said NRIs and businessmen from across world will contribute ₹600 crore (US$89 million) to develop Harmandir Saheb. In February 2016, Union Finance Ministry allocated a package of ₹100 crore (US$15 million) for the celebrations. The Bihar government on 16 September 2016 said, it will spend ₹100 crore (US$15 million) on the arrangements and the celebrations.
Exhibition
Panjab Digital Library in collaboration with Bihar Government has organised an exhibition, "Emperor-Prophet Guru Gobind Singh Sahib" at Bihar Museum, Patna. The exhibition was inaugurated by Shri Shiv Chander Ram, Hon'ble Minister Department of Art, Culture & Youth on 30th December. It is open to public till 31st January 2017. After that it will be taken to different museums of Bihar. Focus of the exhibit is the digitized heritage of Panjab that elucidate various interesting facets of this glorious era. The heritage speaks for itself explaining history events and original circumstances as they unfolded.
The exhibit displays all the major events related to Guru Gobind Singh ji’s eventful life from 1666 to 1708. Put in a systematic order, on display are copies of different historical paintings, miniatures, hukamname, forts, rare pictures detailing the life of Guru Sahib and coins issued in his name during the Khalsa Raj, all accompanied by descriptions and text on panels detailing their significance. It not only brings to life the complete sequence of events as it happened but also how he revolutionized the society.
It is a MUST VISIT for anybody visiting Patna.