Birth anniversary of fourth Sikh guru celebrated in Amritsar

Amritsar, Oct 9 (ANI): Hundreds of Sikhs gathered at the Golden Temple on Sunday to witness a 'Nagar Kirtan' or religious procession organised to celebrate the 477 th birth anniversary of the fourth Sikh guru, Guru Ramdas, here.

Devotees also offered prayers at the Golden Temple on the auspicious occasion.

"Today is the birth Anniversary of Guru Ramdas and there is great excitement amongst devotes who have thronged the Gurudwara today. A procession was also carried in which the religious book of Sikhs; Sri Guru Granth Sahib was carried by devotees and Sikh leaders in a palanquin throughout the city," said Manjit Singh, a Sikh priest.

"A lot of people from abroad are also visiting the Gurudwara," he added.

The procession which was led by saffron-dressed 'Panj Piare', believed to be the five beloved disciples of the Guru followed by the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Sikh religious scripture, placed on a palanquin.

"I am very happy to be part of such an historic moment. I also saw the palanquin carrying the holy book of Sikhs, which was a pleasant sight. A lot of school children also participated in the procession, which reflects their love and respect for the religion and its teachings. I am happy to be here on this occasion," said Honey Kataria, a Sikh devotee.

Sikh devotees welcomed the procession with great devotion as it went through the city streets making its way back to the Golden Temple.

As per religious tradition, the Golden Temple would be illuminated tomorrow with lighting and earthen lamps.

Guru Ramdas is the 4th spiritual leader of the Sikhs and also the founder of the city of Amritsar. (ANI)