Punjab gears up for pilgrims' rush in holy rivulet

One of the main wishes of the pilgrims arriving in the historical Sultanpur Lodhi, Punjab, for the 550th Prakash Purb of Guru Nanak have been to take a dip in the holy 'Bein', which is connected with many events in the life of the first Sikh Guru as well as the origin of the "Mool Mantra".

To fulfil the wish, the Punjab government has spent Rs 4.96 crore on the development of the Bein and made arrangements for the pilgrims to take a dip without any hassle. The pilgrims take a dip in the Bein before paying obeisance at the Gurdwara Ber Sahib.

The pilgrims also partake water of the Bein and feel blessed.

From the Gurdwara Shri Sant Ghat to Busowal curve, the four-km stretch of the Bein, has undergone transformation and several "ghats" have been developed for pilgrims to take the dip.

Around 500 cusecs water is being released from the Mukerian hydel project to give a fresh lifeline to the ecology of the Bein, besides facilitating devotees take the dip.

The government has spent Rs 4.96 crore on the lining of the holy river's banks before releasing water in the Bein. A separate enclosure for the "shnaan" of women pilgrims has also been prepared.

Pilgrim Bageecha Singh from Fatehgarh Panjtoor said he had been visiting Sultanpur Lodhi for the last 21 years, but could take dip in the Bein for the first time this year.

For the benefit of pilgrims, two high-level bridges have also been constructed. The pilgrims are using these bridges for reaching the Bein and to pay obeisance at the Gurdwara Shri Beri.

To ensure the devotees' safety, railings have been installed along the banks. To meet any emergency, 89 professional swimmers from the NDRF and the SDRF have been deployed.

Twelve boats are patrolling the Bein and 12 watch towers have been constructed.IANS