By IANS,
New Delhi : Early morning prayers, bathing in holy ponds and distribution of feasts marked the birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev, as Sikhs thronged gurudwaras in the capital Thursday.
Devotees in large numbers offered prayers at Bangla Sahib gurudwara, Rakabganj gurudwara and Sisganj gurudwara in the capital. All the Sikh shrines were beautifully lit and decorated to mark the occasion.
In the city, processions led by young children dressed as the Panj Pyaras, or five beloved disciples of the Guru, were taken out even as groups of youths staged martial arts displays. Shabad-Kirtan, chanting of devotional songs, continued in gurudwaras throughout the day.
“I offered prayers at Bangla Sahab gurudwara early Thursday. There was a long queue of devotees paying obeisance at the shrine,” said Gurpreet Kaur, a devotee.
At several places in the city langars (community feast) were organised.
Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Mangement Committee (DSGMC) had made special arrangements at major gurudwaras to manage the large crowd of devotees.
“Several sewadars (helpers) have been deployed inside and around gurudwaras to manage the rush,” said Paramjit Singh Sarna, president DSGMC.
The Delhi Police have also issued traffic advisories in the capital asking the people to avoid the routes where processions will be taken out during the day.
“We have released the traffic advisory as several routes would remain diverted throughout the day following Gurpurab procession,” said S.N. Srivastava, joint commissioner traffic police.