Jamshedpur: Amidst the fear of pandemic Covid-19, the Sikh community in Jamshedpur celebrated Guru Nanak’s 551th Prakash Utsav with devotion on Monday. Sikh families attended prayers at various gurudwaras. This time, the Central Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee did not organise their lavish nagar kirtan (religious procession) due to the spread of coronavirus.
Devotees participating in the gurudwaras recited Japji Sahib, shabad “Sat Guru Nanak pargatya” and “Ucha dar babe Nanak da”.
“ We did not organise langar nor took out nagar kirtan. Due to Covid-19 we made sure that the devotees maintain social distancing and follow the guidelines. We did not allow devotees to enter the premises without mask. Moreover, sanitizers were given to those entering,” said a member of Jugsalai Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee.
Various social and religious organisations served fruits and “langar” of milk, tea and snacks to the devotees. Moreover, almost all the 33 Gurudwaras in the district were decked up for the occasion. They organised religious functions as a part of the celebrations.
President Central Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee Mahendra Singh said, “The auspicious Guru Nanak Dev’s birthday teaches us to live in brotherhood, amity and work together to fight ignorance, poverty and other problems of people.”
He said that Guru Nanak Dev was born at Nankana Sahab near Lahore in Pakistan in 1469 and the anniversaries of Sikh Gurus are known as Gurpurabs (festivals), and celebrated by Sikhs with devotion.
“I convey my greetings and good wishes to the people of our country on the auspicious occasion of Guru Nanak’s Birthday.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, showed us the path of peace, harmony and righteousness. His message of devotion to God, excellence of conduct and tolerance has timeless relevance and can help in transforming our society,” said Amarprit Singh Kale, senior leader.