More than 25,000 devotees from across Telangana participated in the five-day celebration, which included holy discourses and charitable activities organised at the Exhibition Ground
Devotees turned up in large numbers for 556th Prakash Utsav (Birthday Celebrations) of ''Sri Guru Nanak Devji'' in Hyderabad on Wednesday. (Photo: By Arrangement)
Hyderabad: The Sikh community celebrated its biggest festival Prakash Utsav, which marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the first Sikh Guru and the founder of Sikhism. More than 25,000 devotees from across the state participated in the five-day celebration, which included holy discourses and charitable activities organised at the Exhibition Grounds.
At Gurudwara Saheb in Secunderabad, grand renditions of Shabad Keertans were conducted, followed by processions carrying Guru Granth Sahib and Nishan Sahib.
The Exhibition Grounds were packed to full capacity. Devotees began arriving early morning, offering prayers to Guru Granth Sahib and listening to soulful Gurbani Keertans.
Speaking to this newspaper, Baldev Singh Bagga, a committee member, said, “Harjinder Singh, Baljeet Singh, Gyani Saheb Singh, Hazuri Ragi Jathas, Hari Singh, Jagdev Singh, Harwinder Singh and several other renowned Katha Vachaks and Ragi Jathas were invited from various parts of the country. They recited Shabad Keertans that emphasised higher values of life and communal harmony, which Guru Nanak Dev Ji stood for.”
Another committee member, Jagmohan Singh, added, “The concluding ceremony was jointly organised under the aegis of the Prabandhak Committees of Gurudwara Saheb Secunderabad and Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Ashok Bazar. A large congregation was held where prayers were offered to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the holy scripture of the Sikhs.”
The preachers urged the gathering to follow the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev, emphasising their continued relevance today. They highlighted how the Sikh Gurus stood for national integration, peace, brotherhood and communal harmony. Guru Nanak taught the oneness of God — ‘Ek Onkar’, meaning One Supreme Reality. He travelled extensively, preaching equality irrespective of caste, creed, or gender. His teachings laid the foundation of Sikhism, a faith rooted in truth, love, service, and humility.
The Sikh leaders stated, “Guru Nanak Jayanti is not only a celebration of his birth but also of his timeless and universal teachings. He encouraged people to live honest lives, serve others, and see humanity as one.”
Addressing the large gathering, the religious leaders said, “Guru Nanak’s teachings inspire millions to promote peace, unity, and social justice. Observing this day reminds followers to practice selflessness and integrity, reflected in the principles of seva (selfless service) and remembrance of God.”
The event concluded with the serving of the traditional Guru-ka-Langar, where food was offered to all devotees irrespective of caste or background.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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