Sikhs celebrate Baisakhi,' Khalsa Panth foundation day

HYDERABAD: Sikhs from the city celebrated ‘Baisakhi,’ the Khalsa Panth foundation day and the first day of the month of Vaisakh, with over 15,000 devotees, including those from other states, taking part in congregational prayers.

The holy Guru Granth Saheb was carried on a bedecked vehicle along with Nishaan Saheban from all Gurudwaras across the state. Other highlights included Shabad Kirtans by Keerthani Jathas, Panj Pyaras (the five beloved) and display of the Sikh martial art form ‘Gatka’,  exercises with swords and blunt weapons by Kalgidhar Dashmesh Jatha.

The day’s biggest event was at Sri Guru Gobind Singhji playground in Ameerpet. The devotees took part in recitations of the holy Gurbani Keertans and Kathas (holy hymns) by renowned Ragi Jathas (religious preachers) who came from all over the country.

Bhai Jasbeer Singhji (Paunta Saheb Wale), Bhai Jeevan Singhji (Ludhiana), Bhai Ajay Singhji (Nankana Sahib, Lahore), Bhai Veer Singh and Jatha Tera Jatha and other reputed Ragi Jathas rendered Gurbani kirtans which stressed on imbibing high values in our day to day life.

GSA Prabandhak Committee president S. Bhagender Singh, secretary, S. Surender Singh, vice-president S. Sulakshan Singh and joint secretary S. Narender Singh Ragi welcomed the devotees. Guru-ka-langar marked the culmination of the festivities.