Punjab CM's Office Pays Tribute to Guru Amar Das Ji on Joti Jot Divas
Synopsis
On Joti Jot Divas 2026, the Punjab government led by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann paid reverential tribute to the Third Sikh Guru, Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Amar Das Sahib Ji, offering 'kottin-koti pranam' in an official post from the Chief Minister's Office.
Key Takeaways
The Chief Minister's Office of Punjab posted a formal tribute on 26 September 2026 marking the Joti Jot Divas of Guru Amar Das Ji .
Guru Amar Das Ji was the Third Sikh Guru , who led the Panth from 1552 to 1574 and institutionalised the langar system .
The tribute was offered on behalf of the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann of the Aam Aadmi Party , in power since 2022 .
The Punjabi phrase kottin-koti pranam translates to 'salutations in the millions,' reflecting the depth of devotional reverence in the Sikh tradition.
Punjab governments across political formations routinely issue official tributes on Sikh Guru anniversaries as part of the state's recognition of its Sikh heritage.
On the solemn occasion of Joti Jot Divas — the day of celestial departure — of the Third Sikh Guru, Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Amar Das Sahib Ji, the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday, 26 September 2026, offered its deepest reverential salutations to the revered Guru.
Posting in Punjabi on behalf of the Chief Minister's Office, the tribute reads: 'ਕੋਟਿਨ-ਕੋਟਿ ਪ੍ਰਣਾਮ' — meaning 'salutations in the millions' — a phrase of profound devotional weight in the Sikh tradition. The message reflects the Punjab government's formal acknowledgment of Guru Amar Das Ji's enduring spiritual legacy on the anniversary of his passing into eternal light.
Who Was Guru Amar Das Ji — and Why This Day Matters
Guru Amar Das Ji, the Third Guru of the Sikhs, led the Panth from 1552 to 1574. His tenure is celebrated for sweeping social reforms that challenged the rigid hierarchies of medieval India. He institutionalised the langar system — the practice of communal free kitchens open to all, regardless of caste or creed — as a cornerstone of Sikh identity and egalitarianism. His teachings emphasised the oneness of humanity and the rejection of social discrimination, values that remain central to Sikh philosophy centuries later. Joti Jot Divas marks the day a Guru is said to have merged their divine light with the eternal — a moment of reverence, reflection, and prayer for millions of Sikh devotees across Punjab and the global diaspora.A State's Formal Bond With Its Spiritual Heritage
Punjab state governments, across political formations, have long recognised the Sikh Guru anniversaries as occasions for official tribute. For the Aam Aadmi Party administration under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann — in power since 2022 — these commemorations form a visible part of the government's public posture toward Punjab's dominant Sikh religious and cultural identity. The message on this occasion follows a consistent pattern of formal acknowledgment that signals both institutional respect and political attentiveness to the state's devout majority. For Sikh devotees in Punjab and beyond, the government's public tribute on such a sacred occasion carries meaning well beyond a social media post — it is an act of institutional solidarity with a living faith.Point of View
These commemorations serve a dual purpose: honouring a living tradition and reinforcing the administration's cultural credibility in a state where the Sikh faith is deeply woven into political life. The consistency of such tributes across governments underscores how Punjab's political culture has made official engagement with Sikh religious milestones a non-negotiable part of the governance calendar. What distinguishes individual administrations is not whether they pay tribute, but the sincerity and policy depth behind the gesture.
NationPress
26 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Joti Jot Divas for Guru Amar Das Ji?
Joti Jot Divas is the anniversary of the day Guru Amar Das Ji, the Third Sikh Guru, departed from earthly life and merged his divine light with the eternal — a solemn day of remembrance and prayer for Sikh devotees.
Who was Guru Amar Das Ji?
Guru Amar Das Ji was the Third Guru of the Sikhs, who led the Panth from 1552 to 1574. He is renowned for institutionalising the langar system and championing social equality at a time of rigid caste discrimination.
Why did the Punjab government pay tribute to Guru Amar Das Ji?
The Punjab government led by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann marked Joti Jot Divas 2026 with an official tribute as part of the state's longstanding tradition of formally recognising major Sikh Guru anniversaries.
What does 'kottin-koti pranam' mean?
'Kottin-koti pranam' is a Punjabi devotional phrase meaning 'salutations offered in the millions' — expressing the highest degree of reverence and humility before a revered spiritual figure.
When did Bhagwant Singh Mann become Chief Minister of Punjab?
Bhagwant Singh Mann became Chief Minister of Punjab in 2022 after leading the Aam Aadmi Party to a decisive victory in the state assembly elections.
