After Diwali, WH celebrates Guru Nanak birth anniv

Washington, Nov 16: For the first time in history, White House celebrated the Sikh festival Gurparab marking the birth anniversary of the precher Guru Nanak.

This is the first time the Sikh festival was celebrated in the White House. Even though Obama himself was not present, but senior officials led by Christina M Tchen, head of the White House office of Public Engagement were present during the celebrations.

The officials of Obama administration welcomed over 125 Sikh men and women who were dressed in the traditional clothes. The function was hosted at the executive mansion last week.

"This is your White House and this first event is the just the beginning and it will be part of many gatherings of your community here. We want you to stay in contact with us," Tchen told the gathering.

While kirtan with harmonium and tabla was performed by Ragi Nirmal Singh Nagpuri, and Sukhjeevan Singh of the Golden Temple, official speeches were dotted by Sikh greetings 'Jo Bole So Nihal' and 'Sat Sri Akal'.

This comes after White House celebrated Diwali in Oct 2009 for the first time. On Oct 15, the US president, Barack Obama lit a traditional lamp or 'Diya' amid the chanting of Vedic hymns.

OneIndia News