India, Dec. 28 -- Fatehgarh Sahib's Shaheedi Jor Mela, one of the most significant religious congregations in Punjab's calendar, once again witnessed a heavy political and administrative presence this year, underlining how large scale religious commemorations are increasingly doubling up as platforms for governance display and political signalling.

The three-day mela, held to commemorate the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh's Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri, saw top political leaders from Punjab and neighbouring Haryana, senior bureaucrats, and police officials making coordinated appearances, alongside formal announcements on security, transport and health arrangements.

Politicians Participation

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann paid obeisan...