Farmers Movement Archive

Kirtan, vax camps at gurdwaras mark Guru Nanak’s birth anniv

Lucknow: Paying tribute to Guru Nanak Dev on his 552nd birth anniversary, devotees visited city gurdwaras to rejoice not only on the occasion, but also celebrate the repealing of farm laws. Celebrations in gurdwaras began from Thursday with ‘path’ programmes. From decorating ‘Palki Sahib’ (seat of worship), distributing ‘karha prasad’, to ‘seva’ (selfless service) and offering prayers to the guru by showering flowers, Sikhs ushered in the festival with enthusiasm. Covid-19 vaccination camps were organised at several gurdwaras Devotees thronged DAV College to pay obeisance to the guru, amid kirtan by ‘raagis’ (people who recite kirtan and play musical instruments) from Golden Temple, Amritsar and Jalandhar, followed by ‘langar’ (community feast) and fireworks organised by gurdwara Naka Hindola. President of Lucknow Gurdwara Prabhandhak Committee, Rajendra Singh Bagga said, “Guru Nanak propagated the message of ‘naam japo’ (take lord’s name), ‘kirat karo’ (work hard) and ‘vand chako’ (share and eat together). These principles form the pillars of Sikhism. His teachings said there should be no caste or religion. It is a blessed day that on his birth anniversary, agricultural laws were repealed”. Amid chants of ‘Jo Bole So Nihal, Satsriakal’, ‘kirtankars’ performed at gurdwara Yahiyaganj. Celebrations began with a petal shower on Sikh holy book Guru Granth Sahib, followed by langar. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi visited the gurdwara to offer prayers. A diwan was organised at Sadar gurdwara. “The biography of Guru Nanak Dev ji was distributed among devotees. Prabhat pheris were also taken out,” said gurdwara president Harpal Singh Jaggi. “The country and families have seen so much that our prayers to the guru maharaj is to maintain peace and prosperity,” said Gulwant Kaur, a devotee at gurdwara Ashiana. “Guru Nanak shows the path to connect with inner self. The gurbani kirtan provides a healing touch. It is a double occasion and a step to honour farmers’ sacrifices,” said Sarabjeet Bhalla, another devotee. Special kirtans were also organised at gurdwara Mansarovar.

The Times of India

2021-11-20

Lucknow