Amritsar (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s four-day “Shukrana Yatra” is scheduled to reach the holy city of Amritsar today, May 7, 2026. Setting out from his official residence in Jalandhar this morning, the Chief Minister is traveling through Adampur and Baba Bakala as part of a statewide thanksgiving journey. He is expected to arrive at the Golden Gate in New Amritsar around midday before proceeding to the Golden Temple to pay obeisance at Sri Darbar Sahib. This spiritual journey is intended to express gratitude to the Almighty for the successful implementation of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act 2026, which mandates life imprisonment for anyone found guilty of desecrating the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
The yatra has seen a significant turnout of supporters and devotees despite the prevailing heat, as the Chief Minister continues to emphasize the spiritual and social importance of the new legislation. Speaking to the public during his stops, Mann has reiterated that the amendment act was not a political move but a response to a long-standing demand for justice and a deterrent against those who seek to disturb the communal harmony of Punjab. He stated that the law ensures that perpetrators of such heinous crimes will face severe legal consequences, effectively ending a period of perceived negligence by previous administrations.
The visit to Amritsar holds immense significance as the city is home to the Akal Takht, the highest seat of temporal authority for the Sikh community. Following his prayers at the Golden Temple, the Chief Minister’s itinerary includes visiting Gurdwara Baba Budha Ji in Tarn Taran and traveling through Zira, Kotkapura, and Faridkot. This initiative follows the unanimous passage of the bill in the Punjab Assembly and its recent notification, which has been hailed by various religious groups as a necessary step to protect religious sentiments and maintain peace.
As the government carries out the Majha leg of the tour, local authorities have ensured tight security and administrative arrangements for the Chief Minister’s arrival in Amritsar. The Shukrana Yatra continues to serve as both a religious pilgrimage and a platform for the administration to connect with the people on issues of faith and governance. The Chief Minister has maintained that his role in passing the act was that of a humble servant, fulfilling a sacred duty entrusted to him to safeguard the sanctity of the holy scriptures.
