Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrated with great spirits

New Delhi: Today Sikhs around the world are celebrating the 540th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 A.D, in Talwandi (Present Pakistan).He was not only the founder of Sikhism but also a great philosopher, poet and a very powerful Social Reformer. He condemned "Sati System" and atrocities against women from then existing Indian Society and preached "Sau kion manda aakhiye jitt jamhey raajaan" Meaning Woman have given birth to emperors of the world, therefore should not be condemned. Teachings Of Guru Nanak Dev Ji At the age of five Guru Nanak started talking about the divine subjects and great trust was reposed in him by both Hindus and Muslims He had great reverence for women. He allowed them to join all religious gatherings and conferences. He strongly protested against formalism and ritualism and carried the message of peace and of love to everybody. Being very liberal and practical in his views he did not believe in Caste System, he preached that everyone is equal in the eyes of God, there is no rich, poor, male, female, black nor white. The only difference between people is in their actions. Celebrations of the Gurpurab The Celebration of the Gurupurab begins with Prabhabat Feris or early morning processions that start from Gurudawara and then move to different areas singing Hymns of the Holy Book (Guru Granth). The actual celebration starts 3 days before Guru Nanak Jayanti with the beginning of Akhand Path (continuous reading of the sacred scripture Sri Guru Granth Sahib). The Akhand Path culminates on the day of the Guru Purab and the holy book is followed by night long Keertan Darbar and Langar. Gurudwaras are decorated with beautiful lights and devotees attend Langar (the common meal where everyone eats the same food irrespective of caste, class, or creed). People also illuminate (Deep Maala) Gurudwaras and their homes with candles and earthen lamps. As a part of Guru Nanak's Birthday celebrations in New Delhi, the capital of India, the Sikhs visit the most revered Gurudwara of Delhi, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. All the Gurudwaras are done with beautiful floral decorations and the Gurupuarb is celebrated with high spirits. Celebrations in the National Capital, Delhi In Delhi, Hundreds and thousands of Sikhs on Saturday (31st October) participated in the annual religious procession "Nagar Kirtan", taken out as a part of the festivities related to the birth anniversary celebrations. This annual Procession is taken out every year, it begins from Rakaab Ganj Sahib and ends at Gurudwara Nanak Peao, hundreds of Delhi school Children participated in the "Nagar Keertan" where in the holy book (Guru Granth Sahib Ji) is decorated with flowers and is taken on a float. Devotees from all over the Capital participate and sing the praises of the almighty. All the localities which the Procession covers are beautifully decorated and special Langar Stalls are organized en route. Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurupurab is celebrated with great spirits and people across India are extremely excited about the grand Celebrations.