Vaisakhi was celebrated with great pomp and shown by the city's Sikh community.
The recitation of Gurubani Keertans by renowned Ragi Jathas (preachers), a huge colourful Nagar Keertan (holy procession), an exhilarating and breathtaking display of "Gatka" skills by Sikh youths, and the serving of Guru ka Langar (free food) to all, marked the 314th "Khalsa Panth Foundation Day" celebrations popularly known as "Vaisakhi" festival.
The major attraction of the celebrations was held at Sri Guru Gobind Singhji Play Grounds at Ameerpet, and organised under the aegis of the Prabhandak Committee Gurudwara Saheb Ameerpet, where over 25,000 Sikh devotees participated in the "Vishaal Deewan".
The congregation began at 11am and continued upto 4.30pm, during which time holy Guurbani keertans and Kathas (holy hymns) were recited by the renowned Ragi Jathas (Religious preachers) who were specially invited from various parts of the country for the important occasion.
Bhai Gagandeep Singhji Khalsa (Ganganagar), Bhai Jasbeer Singiji (Paonta Sahib, Himachal Pradesh), Giani Sukhdev Singhji (Amristar), Bhai Surinder Singhji (Hazuri Ragi Jatha), Gurumukh Singhji (Jatha Tera Jatha) and other reputed Ragi Jathas rendered Gurbani keertans which stressed on imbibing the higher values of life in our day to day to living.
The preachers called upon the devotees to follow the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib ji which stand for national integration, communal harmony, and brotherhood and peace to the whole humanity.
Prabhandak Committee, President S Amarjeet Singh, General Secretary S Surender Singh, Vice President S Sulakshan Singh and Joint Secretary, S Bhagender Singh welcomed the devotees.
After the culmination of the congregation, the traditional Guru-ka-Langar prepared specially by devotees was served to the gathering.
Later in the evening, a colourful "Nagar Keertan" procession set out from Gurudwara Saheb, Ameerpet, passed through the main corridors of Greenlands, Begumpet, Punjagutta, and returned to Gurudwara Saheb, Ameerpet in the evening.
Guru Granth Sahebji was carried on a beautifully decorated vehicle along with five "Nishaan Saheban" during the procession. Shabad keertans were rendered by the Keerthani jathas among men, women and youth groups.
"Panj Pyaras" (five beloved ones) and Sikh youths displayed their skill in "Gatka", extraordinary exercises with swords and sharp weapons. Feats performed by Kagidhar Dashmesh Jatha and Ranjeet Singhji Akhada attracted the attention of passersby all along the procession route. Kada Prasad, tea, and snacks were supplied to devotees and passersby.
The Baisakhi Keertan Darbar (night congregation) will be held between 8pm and 1.30am on April 14th at Guru Gobind Singhji Sports Stadium at Ameerpet, in which reputed Ragi Jathas will render Shabad Keertan. (INN)