The Indian Humanitarian Assistance (IHA) and Uddipani Club jointly orchestrated a poignant evening to honor Guru Nanak Dev’s 554th birth anniversary by illuminating 554 lamps (diyas) this Sunday.
“Park Circus stands as an iconic hub in Kolkata, embracing diverse religious communities,” Satnam Singh Ahluwalia, Chairman of the IHA Foundation, told ANI. We gathered with religious leaders and community members to light a diya in honor of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.”
Ahluwalia described the event’s uniqueness, saying, “This is unprecedented in the eastern region and India, uniting all Gurus to honor Guru Nanak Dev with 554 lamps.”
Syed Zaki Asim Rizwi, a Muslim religious leader, spoke to ANI about the inclusive celebration in Bengal, emphasizing the unity among diverse faiths. “This sends a positive message that humanity comes before religion.” “Every religion’s vitality depends on humanity,” Rizwi emphasized.
Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, commemorates the birth of Sikhism’s first guru, Guru Nanak Dev. It’s a significant day marked by fervent devotion, spiritual gatherings, and hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib. Celebrated on November 27 this year, Sikhs globally honor this day with utmost reverence. The festival falls on Kartik Purnima, known for the Parkash Utsav.
Guru Nanak Dev, born in 1469 in Nankana Sahib (formerly Rai Bhoi di Talwandi), preached equality and tolerance and was dedicated to divine service from his youth. Gurpurab witnesses day-long prayers in Gurdwaras and extends into the night with devotees partaking in the langar, where the auspicious kada prasad is served, fostering participation in Sewa and communal offerings of food.