Guru Gobind Singh birth anniversary fete begins January 11

Hyderabad: The major festival of the Sikh Community across the world, the birthday of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th and last Sikh Guru and founder of Khalsa Panth, will be celebrated on a grand scale in Telangana from January 11 to 13. Prabhandak Committee President S Inder Singh and other members said that a colourful 'Nagar Keertan' (religious procession) will be taken out on a grand scale on January 11 at around 4.30 pm from Central Gurudwara Sahib in Gowliguda and will pass through Gurdwara Guru Singh Sabha, Guru Nanak Marg, Ashok Bazar, Afzalgunj,  Siddiamber Bazar,  M J  Market,  Jambagh, Putlibowli and return to Gurudwara Sahib in the evening. Over 15,000 to 20,000 devotees will take part in the procession. Guru Granth Sahebji (the revered Holy Scripture of the Sikhs) will be carried on a beautifully decorated vehicle, along with ‘Nishaan Sahebans' (Religious Flags).

The procession will be marked by the rendering of Shabad Keertans (Holy Hymns) by the Jatha Tera Jatha, Nirvair Khalsa Jatha, Simran Jatha and Keerthani Jathas of men, women and youth. Besides, 'Panj Pyaras' (five beloved ones) in their traditional attire will be a cynosure all along the procession. The major attraction of the procession will be the display of 'Gatka', a famous Sikh martial art forms, and other breathtaking sword exercises, all along the procession. Dashmesh Kalgidhar Jatha and other special Gatka Parties will also exhibit their Gatka skills. 

As the main birthday celebrations of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji falls on January 13,  a 'Vishaal Deewan' (Mass Congregation) will be held at HMDA Grounds, next to Prasad Imax Theatre, near NTR Gardens in Khairtabad from 10.30 am to 4.00 pm on Sunday, where over 25,000 to 30,000 Sikh devotees and other community faiths will converge at the programme.The event will be marked by recitations of Gurbani Keertans (Holy Hymns) by the reputed Ragi Jathas (religious preachers), who are being specially invited from various parts of the country to render Shabad Keertans.