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Hindustan Times
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Bullock cart races represent glorious cultural heritage of rural Punjab: CM Mann
Ludhiana, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said the bullock cart races are not just a source of entertainment but represent the glorious cultural heritage of rural Punjab. Bullock cart races represent glorious cultural heritage of rural Punjab: CM Mann He said that such races have been held in Punjab since ancient times and served as a living connection to our traditions and cultural identity. Mann, according to an official statement, said that Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev also practiced farming with bullocks during his time in Kartarpur Sahib. The chief minister said that the ban earlier on bullock cart races had not only disheartened lovers of traditional sports but also dealt a blow to our heritage. Addressing a gathering in Mehma Singh Wala village in this district, Mann said that there had been growing demand from Punjabis to bring a new law so that these traditional games can be revived. Mann said the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Bill, 2025 was unanimously passed in the state assembly on July 11. The chief minister said this law will not only help in preserving indigenous animal breeds in Punjab but also pave the way for resuming bullock cart races. He said this law now awaits the consent of the President of India. Speaking about the new legislation, Mann explained its primary objective is to ensure safety measures for animals participating in sports, including veterinary supervision, safety standards, registration and documentation, and penalties for violations, so that no cruelty is inflicted upon voiceless animals. The chief minister also announced that his government will explore possibilities of reviving pigeon flying competitions as well. After the Bill was unanimously passed by the Punjab Assembly earlier this month, Mann had called it a "historic" day and said the bullock cart races will now resume in the entire state. It allows the resumption of bullock cart races in Punjab besides ensuring safety measures for animals taking part in sports. Bullock cart race had not been taking place at Kila Raipur Sports Festival in Ludhiana district, popularly known as 'mini or rural Olympics'. In 2014, the Supreme Court had banned these sports for being violative of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. "Considering the important role played by Bullock Cart Racing towards promoting the spirit of games and sports, and enriching the cultural heritage and tradition in the State of Punjab, which is also a great source to keep the Punjab's youth away from drug addiction and also to improve indigenous cattle breeds of Punjab, the government of Punjab has decided to exempt the conduct of Bullock Cart Racing in Punjab from the provision of the said Central Act 59 of 1960," according to the Bill passed by the Punjab Assembly. Meanwhile, Mann while referring to the sports festival held at Kila Raipur village said the games, which began in 1933, are popularly known as "Mini Olympics" or "Rural Olympics". Thanking the public for their overwhelming support in the government's war against drugs, the chief minister emphasized that drug abuse is not limited to one house or district, but it affects the entire state. Talking about irrigation, Mann said only 21 per cent of agricultural land across the state was irrigated using canal water that when he assumed office, but that figure has today increased to 63 per cent. The canal and river water is reaching the tail end villages of the state for the first time in history due to the government's effective efforts, he added. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
News18
9 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Bullock cart races represent glorious cultural heritage of rural Punjab: CM Mann
Agency: Last Updated: July 29, 2025, 19:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Ludhiana, Jul 29 (PTI) Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said the bullock cart races are not just a source of entertainment but represent the glorious cultural heritage of rural Punjab. He said that such races have been held in Punjab since ancient times and served as a living connection to our traditions and cultural identity. Mann, according to an official statement, said that Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev also practiced farming with bullocks during his time in Kartarpur Sahib. The chief minister said that the ban earlier on bullock cart races had not only disheartened lovers of traditional sports but also dealt a blow to our heritage. Addressing a gathering in Mehma Singh Wala village in this district, Mann said that there had been growing demand from Punjabis to bring a new law so that these traditional games can be revived. Mann said the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2025 was unanimously passed in the state assembly on July 11. The chief minister said this law will not only help in preserving indigenous animal breeds in Punjab but also pave the way for resuming bullock cart races. He said this law now awaits the consent of the President of India. Speaking about the new legislation, Mann explained its primary objective is to ensure safety measures for animals participating in sports, including veterinary supervision, safety standards, registration and documentation, and penalties for violations, so that no cruelty is inflicted upon voiceless animals. The chief minister also announced that his government will explore possibilities of reviving pigeon flying competitions as well. After the Bill was unanimously passed by the Punjab Assembly earlier this month, Mann had called it a 'historic" day and said the bullock cart races will now resume in the entire state. It allows the resumption of bullock cart races in Punjab besides ensuring safety measures for animals taking part in sports. Bullock cart race had not been taking place at Kila Raipur Sports Festival in Ludhiana district, popularly known as 'mini or rural Olympics'. In 2014, the Supreme Court had banned these sports for being violative of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. 'Considering the important role played by Bullock Cart Racing towards promoting the spirit of games and sports, and enriching the cultural heritage and tradition in the State of Punjab, which is also a great source to keep the Punjab's youth away from drug addiction and also to improve indigenous cattle breeds of Punjab, the government of Punjab has decided to exempt the conduct of Bullock Cart Racing in Punjab from the provision of the said Central Act 59 of 1960," according to the Bill passed by the Punjab Assembly. Meanwhile, Mann while referring to the sports festival held at Kila Raipur village said the games, which began in 1933, are popularly known as 'Mini Olympics" or 'Rural Olympics". Thanking the public for their overwhelming support in the government's war against drugs, the chief minister emphasized that drug abuse is not limited to one house or district, but it affects the entire state. Swipe Left For Next Video View all Talking about irrigation, Mann said only 21 per cent of agricultural land across the state was irrigated using canal water that when he assumed office, but that figure has today increased to 63 per cent. The canal and river water is reaching the tail end villages of the state for the first time in history due to the government's effective efforts, he added. PTI SUN AS AS (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments News agency-feeds Bullock cart races represent glorious cultural heritage of rural Punjab: CM Mann Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Read More
News18
2 days ago
- News18
This 'Golden Temple' In Tamil Nadu Has Twice As Much Gold As The One In Amritsar
1/7 The Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Sikhism. Each year, millions of devotees from around the world visit this sacred shrine. However, there is another temple in India that is covered in even more gold -- the Sri Lakshmi Narayani Temple in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, popularly known as the Sripuram Golden Temple. (News18 Hindi) 3/7 What sets this temple apart is its lavish use of gold. Reports suggest that around 1,500 kg of gold has been used to coat the upper portion of the temple, nearly twice the amount used in Amritsar's Golden Temple, which was plated with 750 kg of gold under the patronage of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. (News18 Hindi) The gold work was carried out by skilled artisans trained in traditional temple art. Raw gold bars were converted into fine foils, which were then mounted on intricately carved copper plates. The gold coating, applied in 9 to 10 layers, adds both grandeur and spiritual depth to the temple. (News18 Hindi) But the Sripuram Golden Temple is not just about its golden exterior. The complex features well-maintained gardens, sculptures, and a peaceful environment that enhances the spiritual experience. One of its most unique features is the 1.8-kilometre-long star-shaped path called the Sri Chakra. As devotees walk along this path, they are greeted with spiritual messages displayed throughout, making the journey to the temple both reflective and meaningful. (News18 Hindi) 7/7
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Srinagar event: Sikh singer Bir Singh apologises at Akal Takht
Amritsar: Prominent Sikh singer and performer Bir Singh on Thursday tendered an apology at the Akal Takht, Sikhism's highest temporal seat, following criticism over a cultural programme in Srinagar that was deemed inappropriate during the commemoration of Guru Tegh Bahadur's 350th martyrdom anniversary. Speaking to reporters after his appearance before the Takht, Bir Singh said the incident — involving singing and dancing at a govt-organised event — was an unintentional mistake caused by what he called a "management flaw". He said he had offered his apology humbly to Singh Sahiban and explained the circumstances. He said: "For now, I have been directed to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple, which I am proceeding to do. " Bir Singh claimed to have been unaware of the full context of the event before going on stage, having flown directly from Australia that day. "As artists, we focus on the audience, and sometimes we may not notice what's behind us, like banners or the programme's theme," he said. "Still, I take full responsibility. I am your Sikh child, and I've always strived to sing with devotion. I'll now do so with even greater care." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top Doctor: If You Eat Eggs Every Day, This Is What Happens WellnessGuide Learn more Undo The event, organised by the Punjab govt's language department in Srinagar, drew sharp condemnation from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). Its president, Harjinder Singh Dhami, said the inclusion of entertainment performances during a solemn religious tribute violated Sikh religious values and disrespected the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur. "This was a direct affront to the sanctity of the Guru's sacrifice and the Sikh code of conduct," Dhami said. He called on the Punjab govt to issue a public apology and implement strict guidelines to prevent such occurrences in future events. "The Sikh community will not tolerate any form of disrespect towards our Gurus or traditions," he added. MSID:: 122906343 413 |
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Report: The Sacred Amritsar 2025
The city of Amritsar, which is named after the sacred pool surrounding the Golden Temple founded by Guru Ram Das in 1574, seems like the perfect location to host a festival that celebrates poetry, music, storytelling, history, and food. Its lanes and neighbourhoods are suffused with the aura of this spectacular shrine that attracts not only Sikh pilgrims but people of all faiths moved by Sikhism's inclusive spirit. This generosity particularly visible in the age-old institution of the langar that ensures no one goes hungry. The third edition of The Sacred Amritsar was held from February 21 to 23 at Hotel Sarovar (located on the site of a restored circuit house dating back to the British era), the Partition Museum housed in the Town Hall, and the 18th century Qila Gobindgarh. Kalapini Komkali at The Sacred Amritsar (Courtesy The Sacred Amritsar) Spoken word artist Priya Malik opened the festival with poems about childhood memories, the comfort of home and grandparents, and the simple joys of life. Her act titled 'Ishq Hai, Ishq Hai, Ishq Hai' focused on her fondness for chai. 'Chai is one of the most wonderful things in the world. It is also a love language between my parents. They don't say 'Sorry' and 'Thank You'. They just make a good cup of chai for each other, and that says it all,' she said. Malik was accompanied by singer Tanmay Maheshwari, who performed Luka Chhupi, a song written by Prasoon Joshi from the 2006 film Rang De Basanti, and Aaj Din Chadheya written by Irshad Kamil for Love Aaj Kal (2009). As evening turned to night, Rehmat-e-Nusrat, a talented qawwali group from Uttarakhand, led the audience into a deeper appreciation of Sufi poetry. They dedicated their performance to Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and sang Mann Kunto Maula by Amir Khusrau, and Anwar Farrukhabadi's Yeh Jo Halka Halka Suroor Hai. The yearning for a union with the divine, palpable in the group's music, continued into the following day with Swaransh Mishra, son and disciple of Pandit Sajan Mishra from the Banaras gharana — singing a Krishna bhajan called Chalo Mann Vrindavan Ki Or. He also presented an invigorating rendition of the Aghori Chalisa, honouring ascetics who are devotees of Lord Shiva and follow a spiritual path that challenges binaries and taboos. Hindustani classical vocalist Kalapini Komkali's tribute to her father and guru Kumar Gandharva was one of the festival's highlights. 'We keep the Guru Granth Sahib in our house,' she said, recalling her father's deep respect for the holy scripture of the Sikhs, which also includes the baani of poets such as Kabir, Ravidas, Baba Farid, Namdev, Ramanand and Surdas, among others, in addition to teachings by the Sikh gurus. Yatindra Mishra and Malini Awasthi at The Sacred Amritsar (Courtesy The Sacred Amritsar) Later, at the Partition Museum, former diplomats Navtej Sarna and Navdeep Suri were in conversation about the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre — a shocking moment in British Indian history. Sarna's novel Crimson Spring (2022) examined the worst excesses of colonialism through characters who witnessed the atrocities of Reginald Dyer, a British general who ordered troops to open fire on unarmed protestors gathered to demonstrate against the Rowlatt Act in 1919. Suri's grandfather, Nanak Singh, was at the massacre, and wrote a long Punjabi poem called Khooni Vaisakhi to bear witness. Suri's English translation was published in 2019. 'There was remarkable unity among the Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs of Amritsar in those times,' said Suri. 'Naturally, the British felt quite threatened by this, so they wanted to destroy it.' It was chilling to hear this at the Partition Museum, which is filled with textual and visual evidence of how violence along religious lines killed millions in the subcontinent. Poet, storyteller and peace activist Amy Singh spoke about her 'Dak to Lahore' initiative that grew out of her desire to bridge the deepening divide between Indians and Pakistanis. Her passion to find common ground moved many in the audience. Many descendants of Partition survivors spoke about memories of migration, loss and trauma. That evening, at Qila Gobindgarh, Abhijit Pohankar moved the conversation from the longing for a homeland to the longing for a human beloved as he sang ghazals like Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo and Ranjish Hi Sahi. Laksh Maheshwari had the audience hooked with stories about poet Amrita Pritam, her tumultuous love life and the men in it – Pritam Singh, Sahir Ludhianvi, and Inderjeet Singh aka Imroz. Anwar Khan Manganiyar lifted the evening several notches with his masterful rendition of the qawwali Chhap Tilak Sab Chheeni. Festival attendees at a heritage walk (Courtesy The Sacred Amritsar) The morning of the last day featured musicians Debapriya Adhikary, Samanwaya Sarkar and Sohon Ghosh. In the afternoon, oral historian and novelist Aanchal Malhotra spoke to cultural entrepreneur Sanjoy K Roy about her Partition-related research. Referring to WH Auden's poem Partition (1966), a scathing critique of Cyril Radcliffe's assignment to split up a land he had 'never set eyes on', Malhotra said, 'I have often wondered what I would do in Radcliffe's place. How is it possible to divide people from one soil who are so closely intermingled?' The grand finale had Gobindgarh Fort reverberating with Dastan-e-Akhtari: The Tale of Begum Akhtar, a collaboration between Yatindra Mishra and Malini Awasthi. Mishra, editor of Akhtari: The Life and Music of Begum Akhtar (2021), narrated key episodes from the life of the legendary singer of ghazal, dadra and thumri. Awasthi paid tribute to the Hindustani classical exponent by recreating on stage some of her most iconic songs including Hamri Atariya, which got a standing ovation. Neeraj Arya of Kabir Cafe. (Courtesy The Sacred Amritsar) The festival's last set had Neeraj Arya's band Kabir Café presenting popular Kabir bhajans like Mann Mast Bhaya Phir Kya Bole, Chadariya Jheeni Re Jheeni, Mann Laago Mero Yaar Faqiri Mein and Satguru Sahib Ne Mera Bharam Tod Diya. In between all this festival attendees were also taken on heritage walks to major historical sites like the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Gurudwara Santokhsar Sahib, Katra Ahluwalia, Dharam Singh Market, and Saragarhi Memorial Gurudwara. On the whole, Sacred Amritsar 2025 was a fun festival, made even more delicious with chhole kulche and creamy lassi. Chintan Girish Modi is a Mumbai-based journalist who writes about books, art and culture. He can be reached @chintanwriting on Instagram and X.
