Amritsar, Sept 2: Thousands of devotees celebrated the 407th anniversary of the installation of Guru Granth Sahib in the holy city with traditional fervour, gaiety and Sikh rehat maryada here on Thursday.
Despite heavy rain in the morning, a large number of devotees took part in the nagar kirtan, which began at Gurdwara Ramsar, the historic place where Guru Arjan Dev compiled Guru Granth Sahib and Sukhmani Sahib over four centuries ago.
After performing ardas at Gurdwara Ramsar, the nagar kirtan, led by Panj Piare, went through various markets of the holy city to reach the Golden Temple. Guru Granth Sahib, placed in a beautifully decorated golden palanquin, was taken through the markets, which were thoroughly cleaned and decorated. All the way devotees chanted hymns from the holy Granth and showered petals on the palanquin. Water, eatables and fruit stalls were installed along the route.
After passing through various areas of the walled city, including Ramsar Road, Chowk Krori, Chowk Baba Sahib and Gurdwara Baba Atal, the nagar kirtan reached the Golden Temple.
Many jathas, religious sabha societies, gatka parties, school bands and Sikh religious organisations participated in it.
Earlier, before the initiation of the nagar kirtan, the bhog of akhand path was performed at Gurdwara Ramsar and the jatha of hazoori raagi of the Golden Temple Bhai Gurdev Singh recited kirtan. As per the Sikh tradition, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh and SGPC secretary Dalmegh Singh Khatra offered siropas (robes of honour) to the Panj Piare (five beloved Sikhs).
Rare and precious articles of the Sikh history, were displayed at the sanctum sanctorum of the Golden Temple, Akal Takht and Gurdwara Baba Atal Rai from 10 am to 12 noon.
