Staff Reporter :
The Sikh community celebrated the Prakash Parv, commemorating the 555the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who gifted the world the profound message of ‘Ek Onkar’ (God is One) on Friday. The grand Kirtan Darbar and Guru ka Langar along with other festivities were held at Garrison Ground.
People exchanged warm greetings on the auspicious occasion. Renowned Raagi Jatha Bhai Jagdeep Singh from Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar presented soul-stirring shabads, captivating the congregation. Raagi Bhai Narendra Singh and students of Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa School also performed melodious Gurbani kirtans and songs.
State PWD Minister Rakesh Singh, Mayor Jagat Bahadur Singh, MLAs Ashok Rohani, former MLA Vinay Saxena, Jabalpur Sikh Sangat President Harendrajeet Singh along with other public representatives participated in the programme. Sikh community leader Pratap Singh Virdi felicitated the dignitaries with shawls and siropas.
Thousands of devotees lined up in Gurudwaras to pay their respects to Shri Guru Granth Sahib. They collectively took Prasad, Guru ka Langar, exemplifying the spirit of equality and humanity as propagated by Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
At 3 pm, Chief Granthi Giani Rajinder Singh conducted the prayer for welfare of all (Sarbat da Bhala), followed by distribution of Kara Prasad, marking joyful conclusion of the event. At Gurunanak Sthal, Gurudwara Marhatal, a kirtan darbar and aarti were held from 4.30 am to midnight, immersing devotees in divine bliss.
Early morning kirtan processions (Prabhat Pheris) were organised from various parts of the city, while Gurudwaras were illuminated with decorative lights and devotees lit lamps in their homes. Similar celebrations also took place at East Land Khamaria’s Shri Guru Granth Sahib Bhavan, Sikh Nari Manch Iqbal Bhavan, Sindhu Samaj Lalmati and other areas, making Guru Nanak Jayanti a city-wide event of devotion, unity and joy.