Sikhs celebrate Parkash Purab in the shadow of Covid scare

The 400th birth anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru of Sikhism, is being commemorated today. Sikh devotees from all over the world are paying homage at Gurdwaras. Ceremonies are being held at Gurdwara Guru ka Mahal in Sri Darbar Sahib Sri Harmandir Sahib.

Amritsar (Punjab):Amid the Covid surge, thousands of devotees on Saturday paid obeisance at gurdwaras across Punjab to commemorate the 400th Parkash Purab celebrations of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib.

Religious fervor was seen at Harmandar Sahib, the holiest of Sikh shrines also known as the Golden Temple in Amritsar and other historic gurdwaras across the region as devotees began to assemble since early morning to offer prayers and listen to the 'kirtan' or hymns.

The Golden Temple complex was adorned with lights to mark the occasion.

The celebrations of the 400th birth anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Patshah Sahib, started on April 29. As part of these symbolic ceremonies, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the entire Sadh Sangat held a recitation of Akhand Path Sahib at Guru Ka Mahal, the birthplace of Guru Sahib on Thursday.

READ:PM Modi pays tributes to Guru Teg Bahadur at Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib

Nagar Kirtan was performed from Sri Akal Takht Sahib to Gurdwara Guru ka Mahal.

During the Nagar Kirtan which started after the Ardas, Chief Granthi Singh Sahib Giani Jagtar Singh was serving Chaur Sahib on the adorned Guru Granth Sahib Ji in a golden palanquin, while the Sangat was chanting the words of Gurbani and Vahiguru.

Gatka and band parties also participated in the Nagar Kirtan.

Chief Minister Amarinder Singh greeted people on the occasion and urged them to watch the events on television and offer 'ardas' for 'Sarbat Da Bhala' from their homes and avoid congregating at the religious places in view of the pandemic.