Amritsar:On the occasion of the first Parkash Gurpurb (enshrinement day) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, a large number of devotees paid obeisance at Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib and Gurdwara Sri Ramsar Sahib today. Various events were organized by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on the occasion of this historic day. While a series of religious events was organised in the city of Sri Amritsar for the past several days, today a huge Nagar Kirtan (religious procession) was organized from Gurdwara Sri Ramsar Sahib to Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib.
At the departure of this Nagar Kirtan, organised under the blessings of Guru Granth Sahib and led by Panj Piaras (five beloved ones), head granthi of Sri Harimandar Sahib and Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh and SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami, Nishanchi (flag bearer) and Nagarchi (drum beaters) were honoured with siropao (robe of honour). On this occasion, a large number of Panthic personalities and Sangat reached Gurdwara Ramsar Sahib.
Before commencing Nagar Kirtan, bhog (concluding ceremony) of Sri Akhand Path Sahib (uninterrupted recitation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib) was held and hazuri ragi jathas performed Gurbani Kirtan. On this occasion, Giani Raghbir Singh congratulated the devotees on the first Parkash Gurpurb and said that Sri Guru Granth Sahib is the Guru (master) of the Sikhs and it is the duty of every Sikh to live life following the path shown by the holy Gurbani. He said that Sri Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru compiled Sri Guru Granth Sahib with his own hand in 1604 and did first enshrinement at Sri Harmandir Sahib. On the same day, Sri Guru Arjan Dev honoured Baba Budha Ji with the service of the first Granthi, which started the Granthi tradition. Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh said that since the time of the Guru till today, a large number of devotees gather on the occasion of the first Parkash Gurpurb and pay respect and reverence to holy Guru Granth Sahib. He encouraged the Sangat to adopt the holy Gurbani of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in their lives and lead a life according to Gurmat (teachings of Sikh Gurus).
During Nagar Kirtan, Gatka performances by Sikh youths as well as batches of devotees expressed their devotion by singing Gurbani (holy Sikh verses). Meanwhile, langar (community kitchen food) of different dishes were also organised by the devotees at several places.
Present in the Nagar Kirtan included SGPC general secretary Bhai Gurcharan Singh Grewal, executive member Surjit Singh Tughalwal, Bibi Gurinder Kaur Bholuwala, member Bhai Rajinder Singh Mehta, Surjit Singh Bhittewad, Bhai Ajaib Singh Abhyasi, Advocate Bhagwant Singh Sialka, Gurbachan Singh Karmuwala, Gurmeet Singh Booh, Navtej Singh Kauni, Akali leader Talbir Singh Gill, DCP Praminder Singh Bhandal, federation leader Amarbir Singh Dhot, SGPC secretary Partap Singh, OSD Satbir Singh Dhami, additional secretaries Kulwinder Singh Ramdas, Balwinder Singh Kahlwan, and Bijai Singh, manager of Sri Darbar Sahib Bhagwant Singh Dhangera, assistant secretaries Gurcharan Singh Kuhala, Gurnam Singh, Manjit Singh Qadian, superintendent Malkit Singh Beharwal, and others.
Grandeur at Sri Harmandir Sahib
On the occasion of the first Parkash Gurpurb of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, jalau (grandeur) was decorated at Sri Harmandir Sahib, Sri Akal Takht Sahib, and Gurdwara Baba Atal Rai Sahib. Moreover, the complex of Sri Harmandir Sahib was decorated with colorful flowers which remained a center of attraction. About 50 to 70 tons of flowers have been used to decorate the complex, which are offered by a devotee. Sri Harmandir Sahib and Gurdwara Ramsar Sahib have also been decorated with lighting for the evening celebration. In the religious congregation at Gurdwara Sri Manji Sahib the raagis, dhadis and kavishars connected the Sangat with the Guru’s praise.
SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami, who attended the congregation and events of first Parkash Gurpurb congratulated the Sangat on this holy day and urged them to live life as per Gurmat. He said that Gurbani suggests solutions to all kinds of human problems and is an important path to make the life of every human being happy. The SGPC President encouraged the Sangat to guard the precious values of Gurbani.