Solemnity marks martyrdom of ninth Sikh Guru

 Hyderabad: The 348th Martyrdom Day of the ninth Sikh Guru Tej Bahadur Sahibji was observed with solemn devotion on Sunday with a large number of Sikh devotees from various parts of the state participating in mass congregations.

The programme was held at the municipal grounds in Sitaphalmandi where prayers were offered to the Guru Granth Sahibji. The event was organised under the aegis of the parbandhak committee of the Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Sitaphalmandi.

Committee president S. Pratap Singh Osahan and secretary S. Jaswinder Osahan said that Shabad Keertans and Kathas were performed at the congregation.

Bhai Lehna Singh of Damdama Taksal Talwandi Bakthawale, Giani Satwant Singh Khalsa, Manji Sahib, Amritsar, Vinod Singh and other prominent ragi jathas (religious preachers)  recited Shabad Kirtans that stressed on imbibing higher values of life and communal amity.  The culmination was with the traditional Guru ka Langar, a free community kitchen.

Later in the evening, a colourful Nagar Keertan was taken out from the gurudwara. Nishan Sahebans (religious flags), Panj Pyaras (five beloved ones), display of Gatka skills, including sword fighting and other skills were prominent features of the celebration.

The Guru Granth Sahib was carried on a decorated vehicle with group preachers rendering hymns all along the procession.  

The Martyrdom Day was observed in all the Gurdwaras in the city, including in Ameerpet and Gowliguda.