Nagar kirtan taken out to mark Parkash Purb of Guru Ramdas

A day ahead of the Parkash Purb (birth anniversary) of fourth Sikh Guru Sri Guru Ramdas, a large number of devotees today took part in a nagar kirtan that passed through different areas of the city.

Held under the patronage of Guru Granth Sahib, which was placed in a beautifully decorated palanquin by the Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, the nagar kirtan led by the Panj Pyaras commenced from the Akal Takht after offering the ‘ardas’ with traditional beating of ‘nagaras’ and chanting of ‘jaikaras’. The ‘chaur saheb’ service was performed by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami.

In his message, the Jathedar asked the sangat to lead a life as per the Gurmat philosophy.

A helicopter showered rose petals on the Golden Temple complex, which was illuminated and decked up with special flower arrangements.

The beautiful jalau (grandeur) will be displayed at the Golden Temple, Akal Takht and Gurdwara Baba Atal Rai Sahib tomorrow, besides the fireworks in the evening, which will be the centre of attraction.

Similarly, various Gurmat events at Gurdwara Sri Manji Sahib Diwan Hall, the Panthic poetry would be recited about the incomparable life of the Guru.

In a noble gesture, the SGPC has extended invitation to traders settled around the Golden Temple for the Parkash Purb celebrations of Guru Ramdas.

To establish the base of the holy city, Guru Ramdas had brought people from 52 trades and asked them to settle here.

Surinder Singh, chief, Federation of Hotels and Guest Houses Association, said around 600 rooms have been offered free of cost to the visiting devotees.