Los Angeles NRIs participate in Guru Nanak birth anniversary Nagar Kirtan of Riverside
Los Angeles, Nov. 22, 2010
Gary Singh
Guru Nanak Gurpurab is celebrated by the Sikh community all over the world and is one of the most important festivals in the Sikh calendar.
A Nagar Kirtan was organised by Gurdwara Riverside, California on November 21, 2010 at 2.00pm.
The Panj Piare led the procession of the Nagar Kirtan followed by floats, which carries the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Spirituality and religious fervour filled the air as thousands of devotees from far and wide, irrespective of caste or religious affiliations, participated in the nagar kirtan. The sangat was served with langar, sweets, tea and fruits by devotees and sewadars.
The concept of a Nagar Kirtan is to bring the message of God to the doorstep of the community. Interestingly, you can notice from the photos, out of respect there are a multitude of sewadars who selflessly clean the roads before the Panj Pyaras and the Guru Granth Sahib. You can also notice that many in the possession may not wearing any shoes- this is due to the respect they show to their holy Scripture, the sacred Guru Granth Sahib.
Guru Nanak preached a religion of compassion, understanding, love and sacrifice, universal brotherhood, equality of women, tolerance and respect for all religions after establishing Sikhism in 1469.Sewa or sacrifice by feeding the poor, protecting the weak and defending the helpless is a prosperity cashout . We serve God by serving other people every day
US President Barack Obama celebrated the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev yesterday at the White House, two days ahead of the actual date when millions of Sikhs will celebrate it in their respective congregations in the US and all over the world.
President Obama issued a statement saying: “On Sunday, many around the world will observe the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. I send my best wishes to all those observing this extraordinary occasion. This is also an opportunity to recognise contributions that American Sikhs have made to our nation, and to reflect on the pluralism that is a hallmark of America.”
.Sikhism’s principles of equality, service, interfaith cooperation and respect are shared by all Americans. As Sikhs celebrate the birth of Guru Nanak Dev, people of goodwill everywhere can identify with his teachings on the equality of all humankind and the need for compassion in our service to others.
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