Millions of Sikhs around the globe are celebrating the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, founder of their religion.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 AD in the village of Rai Bhoe Talwandi.
His birth is honoured across the world with what’s known as Guru Nanak Gurpurab, one of the most sacred festivals in all of Sikhism.
The Birthday of Guru Nanak Sahib falls on Kartik Puranmashi, the full moon day of the month Kartik, which usually falls in November in the western calendar.
How Sikhs are celebrating
Historic celebrations took place in the eve of the celebrations on the eve of Gurpurab, in India and Pakistan with the historic opening of the Kartarpur corridor, which allows Indians access to one of Sikhism’s holiest shrines without having to apply for a visa.
An agreement reached last month allows Indians to make the 4km (2.5-mile) crossing to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur – where Guru Nanak spent the last 18 years of his life.
Celebrations have also been taking place across the UK.
In Coventry, more than 550 native trees and shrubs were planted throughout the city’s parks and green spaces to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary.
Birmingham also held a whole host of celebrations.
Global Sikh vision achieved a World Record for organising the biggest event in the UK and Europe: ‘Nanak Rhapsody.’ 550 musicians and a choir came together at Birmingham Library to perform a special piece to commemorate Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 550th Gurpurab, where they also raised money for Children in Need.
Midland Langar Seva Society (MLSS), one of the largest homeless charities in the UK will be distributing food from the Guru Nanak Langar Bus.
In addition, an exhibition will take place in Birmingham’s St Philip’s Cathedral from 11am to 3pm on the same day.
The Khalsa Aid team are in Iraq this Gurpurab, distributing fresh bread to 11,000 Kurdish refugees who recently had to flee Syria.
Various music artists have also taken to their platform to commemorate the 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak including Harshdeep Kaur who composed a musical tribute featuring a variety or artists, including Sukhsinder Shinda.
Jazzy B is another music artist who took to his platform to commemorate Guru Nanak’s Gurpurab.
Air India marked Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary earlier in the month by painting ੴ ‘Ik Onkar’ was painted on the tail of Air Indias Aircraft Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
BritAsia TV would like to wish all those celebrating a very happy Gurpurab!
