The historic town of Kiratpur Sahib is set to mark a monumental milestone on May 1 as devotees across the country prepare to celebrate 400 years since its foundation. Steeped in spiritual legacy and closely associated with the Sikh Gurus, the town holds a revered place in Sikhism, drawing pilgrims year-round.Founded in May 1626 by the 6th Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib, Kiratpur Sahib was envisioned as a centre of peace, spirituality and learning. Nestled in the foothills of the Shivaliks along the Sutlej river, it became a significant seat of Sikh thought and activity.Several Sikh Gurus, including Guru Har Rai and Guru Harkrishan, spent time here, and it is also the place where the 8th Guru attained Jyoti Jot. The town houses several historic gurdwaras that stand as reminders of its deep-rooted connection with Sikh history.Among the prominent shrines in Kiratpur Sahib are Gurdwara Patalpuri Sahib, which holds immense importance as the cremation site of several Sikh Gurus, Gurdwara Charan Kamal Sahib, associated with Guru Hargobind Sahib, Gurdwara Sheesh Mahal Sahib, linked to Guru Har Rai and Gurdwara Baba Gurditta Ji, dedicated to Baba Gurditta, the son of Guru Hargobind Sahib. These sacred sites collectively narrate the spiritual journey and historical evolution of the town, attracting devotees seeking both faith and historical connection.Kiratpur Sahib is particularly significant as a place of solemnity and reflection. Kiratpur Sahib retains a quiete spiritual character. It is also considered an important site for Sikh cremation rites, with many families choosing the town for their late loved ones, believing it holds sacred importance.To commemorate the 400th foundation day, the SGPC will organise a series of religious events, including Akhand Path, kirtan darbars and nagar kirtans starting from April 29 and concluding on May 1.Meanwhile, the Punjab government has adopted a measured approach, limiting its role primarily to ensuring law and order, traffic management and basic civic arrangements during the event.Officials stated that while the district administration is actively coordinating logistical support, the government is consciously avoiding a central role in religious programming.This cautious stance comes in the backdrop of strained relations between the state government and the SGPC, following last year’s controversy, during the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur at Anandpur Sahib.During the occasion, both the SGPC and the government organised separate events, leading to visible friction and criticism from sections of the Sikh community. The parallel functions not only divided participation but also highlighted underlying tensions between the religious body and the state administration.Despite the careful balancing act, preparations on the ground are in full swing. Roads leading to Kiratpur Sahib are being repaired, sanitation drives have been intensified and arrangements for parking and crowd management are being put in place. Security agencies are also coordinating to handle the expected influx of pilgrims.Religious scholars note that the 400-year milestone is not just a celebration of a town’s founding but a reaffirmation of Sikh values rooted in humility, service and devotion.As May 1 approaches, the focus remains on ensuring that the celebrations proceed in a harmonious and spiritually uplifting manner. With lessons learned from past disagreements, both the SGPC and the administration appear aligned at least in intent to make the 400th foundation day of Kiratpur Sahib a moment of unity rather than discord.