Sikhs in Pakistan celebrate 474th birth anniversary of Guru Ram Das

Lahore, Oct 10 : Sikh pilgrims celebrated the 474th birth anniversary of Guru Ram Das on Thursday amid singing of the shabad, "Dhan Dhan Ram Das Guru Jin Siria Tinay Savaria" in Amrit Vela at the Chuna Mandi Gurdwara here.

During the event, the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) chairman announced several packages for Sikh devotees.

ETPB Chairman Lt. General (retired) Muhammad Javeed announced that on the occasion of the 300th year of the Gurtagadi Diwas Celebrations, on October 20, a stamp to commemorate the festival would be issued.

He said that the ETPB was working for the gurdwaras in Pakistan, but if any Karsewa from India wanted to share its services in Pakistan, they would be allowed to come to the country at any time.

He announced that the ETPB would construct a new residential block in Pakistan for Sikh pilgrims, adding that contributions from Sikh donors belonging to the SGPC in Pakistan would be welcomed.

The leader of the Sikh pilgrims, Sardar Gopal Singh, said that the event had shown the good relations between the two countries, adding that the event had been well managed.

Representatives of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, Bhai Merdana and several others delivered speeches and thanked the Government of Pakistan.

Over 300 pilgrims came to Pakistan to commemorate the 474th birthday of the fourth Guru in Sikhism, Guru Ram Das, the Daily Times reported.

The pilgrims will visit the Rohri Sahib Gurdwara on October 10, the Panja Sahib Hassanbadal Gurdwara on October 11 the Dera Sahib Gurdwara Lahore on October 12 and would leave for India on October 13.

Guru Ram Das was born at Chuna Mandi Bazaar, Lahore on September 24, 1534. He was given the name Jetha and was the son-in-law of Guru Amar Das, the third guru of Sikhs.

After the death of his parents at the age of seven, he stayed with his father-in-law and deeply associated himself with the Guru's Ghar activities (Sikhism).

Guru Amar Das found him capable in every respect and worthy of the office of 'Guruship' and installed him as the fourth Nanak on September 1, 1574.

Guru Ramdas laid the foundation stone of Chak Ramdas or Ramdas Pur, which is now called Amritsar.

ANI