Sikhs to celebrate Guru Nanak’s 550th b’day

Secunderabad: Members of the Sikh community in the city are gearing up to celebrate their major festival, Prakash Utsav which marks the birthday of the first Sikh Guru and founder of Sikh religion, Guru Nanak Dev from November 7 to November 12.

On the occasion, two grand colourful holy processions will be taken out by Gurudwara Saheb Secunderabad on Thursday and another from Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha (GSGSS), Afzalgunj on November 9.

"To mark the 550th celebrations of Guru Nanak, managing committees of Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha (GSGSS), Afzalgunj and Gurudwara Saheb Secunderabad (GSS) have joined hands to make the celebrations a grand success," said S Baldev Singh Bagga, president, GSS. The community will also organise a mass congregation on November 12.

"On the occasion of Prakash Utsav celebrations which falls on November 12, a mass congregation will be held at Exhibition Grounds, Nampally from 10.30 am to 4 pm," he added.

Thousands of devotees from across the state are expected to take part in the procession as Guru Granth Sahebji will be carried on a beautifully decorated vehicle along with religious flags all along the procession.

The procession will be marked by the rendering of holy hymns and the ‘Panj Pyaras'’ (five beloved ones) in their traditional attire will be the cynosure of all eyes, informed community members.

"Another interesting display will be of 'Gatka' , a Sikh martial art form and other sword exercises at the procession," said S Gurucharan Singh Bagga, president, GSGSS. "A special programme called 'Sada Virsa Sada Gaurav' dedicated to Sikh history for the youth will also be held on November 7 and 9," he added.