Mohali: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday attended the religious and cultural programme ‘Ek Shaam Bhole Ke Naam’, organised at the Dussehra Ground in Sector 79, Mohali, during the holy month of Sawan.
The event was organised by the Punjab Government, the Department of Tourism, and the Sanatan Seva Samiti. Renowned devotional singer Hansraj Raghuwanshi performed a series of bhajans dedicated to Lord Shiva, creating a devotional atmosphere as devotees joined in singing and dancing.
Among the bhajans performed were Aisa Damru Bajaya Bholenath Ne and Bam Bam Lahari, which received an enthusiastic response from the audience.
Addressing the gathering, Mann said Punjab is like a “beautiful bouquet” where people of all faiths live together in harmony.
“Punjab’s soil is fertile and every seed sown here grows. But the seed of hatred can never grow in Punjab,” the Chief Minister said.
He added that the state’s social fabric is built on communal harmony, with people celebrating Gurpurabs, Shaheedi Samagams, Hanuman Jayanti, Eid, and Guru Ravidas Maharaj’s Prakash Purab together.
During the event, Mann also announced the expansion of the Chief Minister Teerth Yatra Scheme for senior citizens.
He said that while the scheme currently covers pilgrimages to Sri Amritsar Sahib, Fatehgarh Sahib, Wagah Border, and Jallianwala Bagh, it will be expanded from August 1 to include Khatu Shyam, Salasar Dham, Vrindavan, and Rishikesh.
The Chief Minister said enabling senior citizens to undertake pilgrimages was a noble service and reiterated that the Punjab government would continue to bear the full cost of the scheme.
