Amritsar, Jan. 26 : Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Monday organized an Akhand Path at the Golden Temple for Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh''s speedy recovery.

The Akali Dal party leader''s gesture holds significance, as it is well known that his party is a key rival of the Congress Party in Punjab.

After hosting the tricolour on the occasion of Republic Day, Badal expressed his deep concern over the Prime Minister''s poor health and wished him a speedy recovery.

Badal said he had offered his prayers at the Golden Temple and an Akhand Path that will last till Wednesday.

Akhand Path involves the continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib from beginning to end, (all 1430 pages,) lasting about 48 hours, by a team of readers.

This "ritual" is considered a holy practise and is said to bring peace and solace to participants and the passive listener. During the reading, it is a tradition to organise a langar (community kitchen) for participants in recognition of the Akhand Path for the person for whom it is being held for. (ANI)