Sri
Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469-1539) was the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten
Sikh Gurus. His birthday is celebrated worldwide as Guru Nanak Gurpurab on Kartik
Pooranmashi, the full-moon day in the month of Katak, October-November.Birth place
of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji is considered holy place by Followers of Sikhism, Punjabi
Hindus and Sahajdhari Sindhis across the Indian subcontinent. Because of his
close connection with Hazrat Sheikh Farid-ud-din Ganj Shakar, the Punjabi Sufi saint,
Nanak Dev Ji is also considered by many Muslims to be a Sufi, or adherent of Sufic
tenets. His main teaching to the world was written down to be "devotion of
thought and having good actions as the first of our jobs".
The
day prior to the birthday, a procession, referred to as Nagarkirtan, is
organized. This procession is led by the Panj Pyaras (Five Beloved Ones). They
head the procession carrying the Sikh flag, known as the Nishan Sahib and the
Palki (Palanquin) of Guru Granth Sahib. They are followed by teams of singers
singing hymns and devotees sing the chorus. There are brass bands playing
different tunes and 'Gatka" teams display their swordsmanship through
various martial arts and as mock battles using traditional weapons. The
procession pours into the streets of the town. The passage is covered with
banners and gates decorated flags and flowers, for this special occasion. The
leaders spread the massage of Sri Guru Nanak.
On
the day of the "Gurpurab", the celebrations commence early in the
morning at about 4 to 5 am. This time of the day is referred to as Amrit Vela.
The day begins with the singing of Asa-di-Var (morning hymns). This is followed
by any combination of Katha (exposition of the scripture) and Kirtan (hymns
from the Sikh scriptures), in the praise of the Guru, followed by Langar, a
special community lunch, arranged at the Gurudwaras by volunteers. The idea
behind the free communal lunch is that everyone, irrespective of caste, class
or creed, should be offered food in the spirit of seva (service) and bhakti
(devotion).
In
Pakistan main religious ceremony of Birthday of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji is held
in Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib every year. On the occasion of the
event Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB ) provides best available facilities
to the Yatrees, in coordination with other government departments for their
comfortable stay in Pakistan. Emphasis is made to improve these facilities in
order to project Pakistan as a minorities' friendly country. Detail of the
facilities provided to the Sikh yatrees by ETPB is as under:-
1. Reception/Langar
Reception
at Wagha Railway Station.
Provision
of Langar on arrival / departure and throughout their stay in Pakistan.
2. Travel Arrangements
Arrangements
of special trains/buses for travelling of Yatrees.
3. Customs and Immigration
•
Liaison with Customs and Immigration / Rangers authorities for speedy immigration
process for the Yatrees.
4. Security
Adequate
security arrangements in coordination with concerned Government Departments for
the protection of Gurdwaras/Mandirs and Yatrees.
Provision
of Security Staff of ETP Board to help Special Branch at Wagha Border for
Bio-data Form filling of Yatrees.
Security
Staff of ETP Board is detailed with Yatrees throughout their inland traveling
in Pakistan.
5. Accommodation
Comfortable
boarding and loading arrangements for Yatrees within the premises of major
Gurdwaras/Mandirs.
Various
stalls, including Utility Store, Handicraft and Tourism are also established to
facilitate the Yatrees.
6. Rituals
To
ensure holding of religious ceremonies in Gurdwaras as per traditions of Sikh
religion.
7. Currency Exchange
Arrangements
for money exchange counters of National Bank of Pakistan/ Habib Bank Limited at
Wagha Railway station and in all major Gurdwaras.
8. Telephone Facilities
PTC
telephone booths with NWD/ISD facilities in all main Gurdwaras.
Provision
of Mobile SIMS for the Yatrees at all the major Gurdwaras.
9. Health Cover
Round
the clock availability of Doctors / Para Medical Staff for Yatrees during the
travel of Yatrees and their stay at Gurdwaras/Mandirs.
On
550th Birthday Celebrations of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469-2019), the Commemorative
Postage Stamps of Rs.20/- denomination each (set of 4) and Souviner Sheet of
Rs. 550/- denomination are being issued by Pakistan Post on November 12, 2019.
No comments:
Post a Comment