AMN
Guru Nanak Jayanti or Guruparb is being celebrated across the country today. The day marks the birth of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev. It is considered as the most sacred day in Sikhism.
Thousands of devotees thronged gurdwaras across Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh on Saturday morning to offer prayers on the occasion of ‘Gurpurab’ — the birth anniversary of the first Sikh guru, Nanak Dev.
The holiest of Sikh shrines ‘Harmandir Sahib’, popularly known as the Golden Temple, in Amritsar, and other gurdwaras elsewhere saw religious fervour to mark the birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism.
Guru Nanak Dev was born in 1469. Thousands of people, from various faiths, reached the Golden Temple complex since early morning on Saturday to offer prayers.
This year will mark the 548th birthday of Guru Nanak. The Gurpurab is celebrated as the day of reverence and is a reminder for the devotees to follow the teachings of Guru Nanak and devote one’s life in the selfless service of the God.
The day begins with the singing of morning hymns and is followed by Katha and Kirtan, which is recital of scriptures and hymns in the praise of the Guru. Special community lunch, called the langar, are also organized at the gurdwaras.
President Ram Nath Kovind has greeted the people on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti. In a message, the President said, Guru Nanak Dev gave us an enlightened message of peace, harmony and unity of all human beings. Mr Kovind said, Guru Nanak Dev stood against exploitation and atrocity, and dedicated himself to the service and welfare of the underprivileged.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted the people on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti. In a tweet, Mr Modi said people bow to the venerable Sri Guru Nanak Dev and recall his noble thoughts.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi has extended greetings on the occasion of Gurpurab. In her message, Ms Gandhi said, Guru Nanak Devji was a poet, philosopher, social reformer, religious preacher, yogi and a profound believer in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. She said, Guru Nanak Devji taught us that life’s learnings are about sacrifice, spirit of giving and sharing with an innate faith in almighty.