On the auspicious and historic occasion of Raksha Bandhan and ‘Rakhar Punnia’, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, will be on a one-day visit to Punjab on August 28. During this visit, he will pay obeisance at Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) and the historic Gurudwara Baba Bakala Sahib to offer prayers for the nation’s prosperity. He will also participate in the ‘Rakhar Punnia’ event—a confluence of Sikh history and faith—and engage in a direct dialogue with farmers at a special ‘Kisan Chaupal’ (farmers’ gathering) organized in the village of Umra Nangal, Baba Bakala.
Rakhar Punnia: Historical and Religious Significance
The ‘Rakhar Punnia’ fair held at Baba Bakala Sahib in Punjab is not merely limited to the tradition of Raksha Bandhan; it marks a significant milestone in the glorious history of the Sikh faith. It was on the day of Raksha Bandhan in 1664 that the identity of the ninth Sikh Guru—Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, revered as ‘Hind Di Chadar’ (Shield of India)—was revealed on the sacred soil of Baba Bakala. Lakhs of devotees visit this place every year to pay homage to this historic and spiritual legacy. According to the official schedule, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will arrive in Amritsar on the morning of August 28. He will first pay his respects and seek blessings at Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar.
Subsequently, he will proceed directly to the village of Umra Nangal in Baba Bakala, where, starting at 11:00 AM, he will participate in a ‘Kisan Chaupal’ with local farmers to discuss agricultural issues and welfare schemes.
At 12:15 PM, he will visit Gurudwara Baba Bakala Sahib to pay obeisance. Following this, at 12:30 PM, he will attend the main event organized for the occasion of Rakhar Punnia. After the conclusion of the program, Union Minister Shri Chouhan will depart from Amritsar for Bhopal at 3:30 PM.
