Over 20,000 Sikh devotees from the city participated in the 'Nagar Keertan', the holy procession.
As part of the ongoing 345th Prakash Utsav (birthday celebrations) of the 10th and last Sikh Guru Sri Guru Gobind Singh, a huge colourful 'Nagar Keertan' (holy procession) was taken out by the Prabhandak Committee of the Central Gurudwara Saheb, Gowliguda, on Sunday.
Prabhandak Committee president S Tirlok Singh, vice-president S Inderpal Singh, and general secretary S Satbeer Singh said that over 20,000 Sikh devotees had participated in the 'Nagar Keertan'.
The procession was marked with the carrying of Guru Granth Sahibji (the sacred scripture of Sikhs) on a beautifully-decorated vehicle, along with 'Nishaan Saheban' (flag bearers).
Shabad Keertans were rendered by Jatha Tera Jatha and other Keerthani Jathas of men, women and youth groups, all along the procession. 'Panj Pyaras' (5 beloved ones) were the cynosure of all eyes for the passersby.
Sikh youths hailing from Kalgidhar Dashmesh Jatha and other Gatka Jathas displayed their exhilarating 'Gatka' skills (Sikh martial art forms), performing extraordinary exercises with their blunt weapons, Kirpans and swords. Kada Prasad, tea and snacks were supplied to devotees and passersby all along the routes.
Vishaal Deewan On January 11
As the main birthday celebrations of Guru Gobind Singh is on January 11, 2011, a 'Vishaal Deewan' (mass congregation) will be held in front of the Central Gurudwara Saheb (Gowliguda) from 11am to 4:30pm on Tuesday, where over 25,000 to 30,000 Sikhs and devotees of other faiths are expected to converge.
The event will be marked by the recitations of Gurbani Keertans (holy hymns) by the reputed Ragi Jathas (religious preachers), who are being specially invited from various parts of the country to render Shabad Keertans.
Bhai Surinder Singhji, Bhai Prem Singhji Bandhu (both from New Delhi), Bhai Hari Singh and Nanak Singh Sukhmani Hazuri Ragi Jathas and other reputed Ragi Jathas will recite shabad keertans and Kathas and throw light on the teachings of Sikh Gurus. After the congregation, a Guru Ka Langar (free community kitchen) will be organized for devotees.
Courtesy: INN