Festivity and pomp mark Guru Parb

New Delhi, Nov 13 (UNI) Lakhs of Sikh devotees today visited gurdwaras and participated in 'amrit sanchar' to mark the 'Prakash Utsav' of Guru Nanak Dev - founder of the sikhism -- and relive his immortal message of 'unity in diversity'.

Cracker bursting and 'bhajan mandalis' started along the streets even before the crack of dawn even as youth, children and the old participated in 'shabad kirtans' to mark the auspicious day.

Recitation of Sukhmani Sahib and Nitnem began early morning in most colonies where Sikhs were in modest numbers.

Gurdwara Sis Ganj, Bangla Saheb and Rakabganj saw a huge rush of Sikhs and Hindus paying obeisance to the Guru Granth Saheb and distributing alms to the poor.

Most of the homes of Sikh were well lit with decorative lights, giving a glimpse of Diwali, on the birthday of Guru Nanak who hundreds of years ago gave to humanity the message of 'unity in diversity' by bringing religious tolerance among different communities.

It was Guru Nanak who introduced the institution of 'free community kitchen' (langar), which became a universal phenomenon among Sikhs as one of their concepts, said Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (SGMC) president Paramjit Singh Sarna.

''Seva', 'kirtan, 'satsang' and faith in one omnipotent God are the basic golden concepts of Sikhism and Guru Nanak Dev preached the new idea of 'God as Supreme'.'' As a revolutionary saint and reformer Guru Nanak upheld the cause of women, downtrodden and the poor and introduced a casteless society, Mr Sarna added.

Extending his ''heartiest greetings'' to the Sikh community on the 540th birthday of Guru Nanak Dev ji, BJP's Delhi chief ministerial condidate V K Malhotra said he gave us all the message of human equality, peace and love.

The SGMC said a congregation was held at Gurdwara Rakab Ganj today in which Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit participated.

''She was presented with a 'siropa'.'' UNI AN GT RAI1830