Jamshedpur, Nov. 25: Members of Sikh community in the steel city celebrated the birth anniversary of their first guru Guru Nanak Dev with devotion and enthusiasm.
Thousands of devotees took part in a “nagar kirtan” organised under the aegis of the Central Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee, Jamshedpur. Devotees participating in the procession recited Japji Sahib, shabad “Sat Guru Nanak pargatya” and “Ooncha dar babe Nanak da”.
In view of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji, most of the gurudwaras have been decorated and large processions were being taken out. Special Ardas prayers were performed and langers (community feast) were organised to mark the occasion.
A procession started from Sonari and passed through various parts of the town and culminated at Sakchi Gurudwara in the evening.
A large number of vehicles and trailers carrying devotees moved through the town. Panj Piaras, gatka and school bands accompanied the devotees.
A beautifully decorated palanquin, carrying Guru Granth Sahib, followed the Panj Piaras. The palanquin, known as ‘Palki Sahib’ was the main attraction of the procession and thousands of devotees bowed before it to seek blessings.
Various social and religious organisations served fruits and “langar” comprising 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 and hosted langar (mass kitchen) as a part of the celebrations.
President Central Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee Inderjeet 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.�
�We have done all the arrangements for devotees with good cooperation from police and civil administration,� added he noted.
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 Sardar Shailendra Singh, senior leader.