The historic Baisakhi Mela at Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda district, Punjab, India, is set to be marked by minimal political activity this year, with only two radical Sikh groups planning rallies. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), which traditionally plays a significant role in the event, has opted to stay away, having recently held a political rally in Bathinda. The mela, which takes place from April 13-15, is a major gathering for Sikhs, celebrating the foundation of the Khalsa Panth and featuring Takht Damdama Sahib, one of the five Sikh takhts. Two camps led by radical Sikh leaders, Amritpal Singh (currently imprisoned) and Simranjit Singh Mann, will hold separate political conferences at the site on April 14. Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, an independent MP, indicated that a large congregation is expected, with messages from Amritpal being shared with attendees. Local authorities have prepared for the expected influx of lakhs of pilgrims, establishing control rooms and deploying a team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for emergencies.