Display of skills:  Devotees demonstrate a mock combat as part of Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrations in Bidar on Wednesday. / Photo: Gopichand T. / The Hindu

Thousands of devotees participated in the Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrations at the Gurdwara Guru Nanak Jhira here on Wednesday.

Celebrations started early on Wednesday. Artistes sang songs in praise of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikh religion, during the Rehansabhai Kirtan at the Diwan Hall.

Chapters from the Guru Granth Sahib were recited later and Gurubani was sung. Devotees from gurudwaras in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh arrived with the Nishan Sahib (holy flags).

Hazuri Ragi Jatha and other groups performed ‘kirtan’. Bhai Anoop Singh Raagi from Jalandhar, Punjab, gave a special performance of Aasa Ji Di Waar Kirtan. Students from Guru Nanak Public School and Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College also performed ‘kirtans’. ‘Aarti’ and ‘ardas’ were held.

Procession

A procession was taken out from the gurdwara to the Ambedkar Circle and the Nishan Sahib of Guru Nanak Colony. Folk artists performed Bhangra and Gidda. Devotees dressed in war gear demonstrated the use of weapons.

Langer was served throughout the day.

source:  http://www.thehindu.com / Home> National> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Bidar, November 29th, 2012