A massive gathering of devotees converged at the grounds of Sain Dass School in Jalandhar on Saturday evening as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and joined thousands of people for the state-level celebration of Bhagwan Parshuram Jayanti, marked through the spiritual event, ‘Ek Sham Shiv Ke Naam’.
The programme witnessed participation from people across all sections of society, who immersed themselves in devotion and spirituality. Renowned singer Hansraj Raghuwanshi enthralled the audience with bhajans dedicated to Lord Shiva and Bhagwan Parshuram Ji, while several revered Mahan Mandleshwar saints also graced the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal said, “It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction for me to be here amongst the people during this state-level function marking Bhagwan Parshuram Jayanti Ji. I feel fortunate to participate in this event filled with religious enthusiasm, devotion and spiritual fervour. I extend my heartfelt greetings to the people of Punjab, especially the residents of Jalandhar, on this auspicious occasion.”
Highlighting the significance of the venue, Arvind Kejriwal said, “The Punjab Government has thoughtfully chosen the sacred land of Jalandhar for this mega event. This land is known for its rich heritage, culture and spirituality. Celebrating this holy occasion here reflects our deep respect for our cultural and religious roots.”
Referring to the teachings of Bhagwan Parshuram Ji, Arvind Kejriwal said, “Bhagwan Parshuram Ji represents the perfect blend of Shastra and Shaastra. He stood for the protection of the weak and the destruction of tyranny. His life and teachings inspire us to oppose injustice, inequality and discrimination. The message of Bhagwan Parshuram Ji is not limited to any one community but belongs to all humanity.”
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to social harmony, the AAP Supremo noted, “The Bhagwant Mann Government is committed to fostering peace, communal harmony and brotherhood across the state. We are walking on the path of Dharma shown by great Gurus, saints, seers and prophets. Just as Bhagwan Parshuram Ji was a master of knowledge, our government is focused on empowering Punjab’s youth through quality education and skills so they can build a bright future.”
Speaking about the significance of the event, he said, “This programme has been named ‘Ek Sham Shiv De Naam’ to pass on our rich spiritual and cultural legacy to future generations. Around 25 revered Mahan Mandleshwar saints from across Punjab are participating in this event. We are fortunate to receive the blessings and guidance of such enlightened souls.”
Recalling recent initiatives undertaken by the government, Arvind Kejriwal said, “The Bhagwant Mann Government celebrated Bhagwan Parshuram Jayanti at the state level for the first time in 2025. Similarly, for the first time, Hindu Nav Varsh was celebrated at the state level in Pathankot in April 2026. We have also completed the pending development works at Bhagwan Valmiki Ashram in Amritsar by spending more than ₹25 crore.”
Describing the spiritual purpose of the gathering, Arvind Kejriwal said, “This evening is dedicated to Lord Shiva and to spreading positivity in society. It is heartening to see thousands of devotees gathered here in devotion and faith.”
Anything Can Germinate on Punjab’s Fertile Soil, But Seeds of Hatred Can Never Grow Here”: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann
Addressing the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Anything can flourish on the fertile soil of Punjab, but the seeds of hatred can never grow on this sacred land. Our great Gurus have taught us the values of communal harmony, peace and brotherhood. Punjabis celebrate every festival together, irrespective of religion or community.”
DON'T MISS
Praising Lord Shiva’s teachings, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Bhagwan Shiva is the embodiment of mercy and compassion. He protects devotees from evils such as greed, lust and anger. Mahadev bestows wisdom, blessings and grace upon his devotees. Such spiritual events strengthen social harmony, compassion and goodwill while bringing happiness and prosperity to society.”
Highlighting the government’s efforts to honour all faiths, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “It is a matter of great satisfaction that the Punjab Government has given equal respect to every religion. As a secular government, we have made every effort to celebrate religious and cultural occasions in a grand manner. We successfully organised a series of programmes to commemorate the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of ‘Hind Di Chadar’ Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji.”
The Chief Minister further said, “The Punjab Government is making elaborate arrangements to celebrate the upcoming 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji in a befitting manner. We are fortunate to have received this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and no effort is being spared to ensure these celebrations are conducted with full devotion and grandeur.”
Referring to the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojna, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Punjab Government launched the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojna to enable devotees to undertake free pilgrimages to Sri Harmandir Sahib, Sri Durgiana Mandir, Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal, Sri Anandpur Sahib, Mata Naina Devi Ji and other sacred places.”
Announcing the expansion of the scheme, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The scheme will now facilitate free pilgrimages to Haridwar, Sri Khatu Shyam Ji Maharaj, Salasar Balaji Dham and several other revered religious destinations. The scheme is open to people of all castes, religions, income groups and regions. Pilgrims do not have to spend a single rupee to avail its benefits.”
Highlighting another major decision of the government, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “To pay due respect to the sacred religious scriptures of all faiths, the Punjab Government has exempted specially designed vehicles carrying the Parkash of religious scriptures from Motor Vehicle Tax.”
He added, “Around 25,000 such vehicles are used across Punjab for religious ceremonies and events. Earlier, each vehicle paid approximately ₹10,000 annually as Motor Vehicle Tax under the Punjab Motor Vehicle Taxation Act, 1924. The Punjab Government has now exempted these vehicles from taxation, providing relief worth nearly ₹20 crore to ₹25 crore.”
Calling upon people to strengthen Punjab’s social fabric, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “I appeal to the people of Punjab to celebrate such sacred occasions collectively by rising above caste, colour, creed and religion. We must reject divisive and communal agendas and work together to build a Rangla Punjab. Let us take a pledge to eradicate social evils, support the underprivileged and contribute collectively towards a prosperous and drug-free Punjab.”
Senior AAP leader and AAP Punjab Prabhari Manish Sisodia, Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora and Mohinder Bhagat, Advisor for Cultural Affairs Deepak Bali and several other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
