Sikhs throng lone 'gurdwara' in Kerala to celebrate Gurpurab

Kochi, Nov 5 (UNI) The Sikh community today thronged the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha here, the only gurdwara in Kerala, to celebrate the 537th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.

The celebrations, which began on October 28, concluded this afternoon with a special 'ardas' and 'samapti', followed by 'guru ka langar' (community feast). 'Kirtan' (devotional songs) by children were a highlight of the function.

Apart from Sikh and other North Indian families, several local people also visited the 'gurdwara' to pay homage to Guru Nanak.

The Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha is the only gurdwara in Kerala, since Kochi has the highest number of Sikhs in the state. Apart from around 30 Sikh families, which are permanently settled here, the Naval Base and the Coast Guard also contribute to the floating Sikh and Punjabi population in the city.

The Gurdwara Guru Singh Sabha was first built in 1955. It was later relocated in 1975 and the original foundation stone was moved as well. Special prayers and 'guru ka langar' are held every Sunday at the two-storied gurdwara.

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