The programmes, involving distinguished religious scholars and vocalists from different parts of the country, began on Monday at Gurdwara Nanakwadi, near Khanderao market with special religious ceremonies including shabad kirtan (singing of hymns) and k langars (community kitchen) which were attended by a large number of devotees.

Besides recitals by vocalist Bhupinder Singh from Nanaksar (Punjab) and his team, an exhibition of historical photographs on martyrdom of Sikh gurus and great Sikh soldiers, arranged by Amrit Singh from Chandigarh, was the special attraction for the three days at the Polo Ground venue.

On the concluding day, a large number of devotees attended kirtan dardar as well as a discourse delivered by religious scholar Swami Sachidanand of Dantali Ashram.

He praised the role of the marshal community and said it had been the Sikh who had time and again been showing patience, virtues and wisdom in the country's troubled times.

Besides a show of colourful fire-crackers, a colourful bhangra and gidha dance programme was also presented on Wednesday evening by members of the Northern India Cultural Association. Besides, shabad kirtan was presented by teams led by Ranjit Singh and Bhupinder Singh.

Meanwhile, Mahindra Singh Ghotra, secretary, Guru Singh Sabha, told Express Newsline that more than 150 youths donated blood and more than 200 patients were examined by a team of doctors and given free medicines at two medical camps organised at Polo Ground to mark the day. The camps were organised by Lions Club of Lal Baug, he added.