Huge congregations mark Guru Nanak Jayanti

LUCKNOW: Entering the giant lawns at Bal Sangrahalay, 13-year-old Gurvinder Singh had long waited for the day. At the Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrations on Wednesday, he decided to change from his dastaar (small turban worn by young boys) to the fuller turban.
“This is the day most revered for Sikhs and to start wearing the turban from today will be the perfect beginning,” he said.The 547th Prakash Parv organised by Lucknow Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee on Wednesday, saw a congregation of around 50,000 people of all ages and from all walks of life.
As soulful kirtans and Gurbani catered to the religious fervour of all generations of visitors, the food stalls that ranged from serving bread and chhole, jalebi, ice creams, sewayin, veg pulao, cold drink and coffee among other eatables had the most number of people thronging to them.
“Every year we come together and celebrate the Prakash Parv as a community,” said RS Bagga, president, LGPC, adding “People serve langar and share thoughts and ideals of Guru Nanak dev ji which put humanity and brotherhood above all.” Devotees from 20 gurudwaras of the city took part in the event at Bal Sangrahalay.
A special stall for helping young as well as seasoned Sikhs to wear the pagdi (turban) was also up for grabs by Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Society. “It is important to Sikhism that we wear the pagdi. Since they are teaching us here how to wear it properly, I am going to learn and practice it to perfection from now on,” said another young boy Sukhpreet Singh.
An online and offline quiz on the life and times of Guru Nanak was also part of one of the stalls. There were also stalls giving away free literature and board games. "These quizzes and games help children to have a better knowledge of Sikhism. The day is the window to our religious and humanity based ideologies," said Jasvinder Singh.
The occasion was celebrated in other gurdwaras of the city too. “We gather here every year for peaceful celebration and bonding through community service and feasting,” said Harish Jaggi, prabandhak of the Cantonment Gurudwara. Big crowd gathered at the Yahyaganj Gurudwara too.