President Patil greets nation on Guru Nanak Jayanti

New Delhi, Nov 12 : President Pratibha Patil greeted the nation on the occassion of Guru Nanak Jayanti which is being celebrated tomorrow.

In a message, the President said, "On the auspicious occasion of the birthday of Guru Nanak Devji, I convey my heartiest greetings to all my fellow citizens.

"Guru Nanak Devji's teachings of love, brotherhood, truthfulness, sacrifice and the importance of leading a righteous life as a way to attaining spiritual progress are of eternal relevance. Let us resolve to deeply understand his noble teachings and rededicate ourselves to the cause of humanity, equality, brotherhood and harmony," She added.

Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of the Sikh religion, was born in November 1469 at Talwandi, now called Nankana Sahib.

The anniversaries of Sikh Gurus are known as Gurpurabs (festivals), and celebrated by Sikhs with devotion.

Gurpurabs mark the culmination of Prabhat Pheris, the early morning procession that starts from the gurdwaras and then goes around localities singing shabads (hymns).

The celebrations also include the three-day Akhand path, during which the Guru Granth Sahib is read continuously, from beginning to end without a break.

On the day of the festival, the Granth Sahib is also carried in a procession on a float, decorated with flowers, throughout a village or city.

ANI