Nation celebrates birth anniversary of Guru Nanak(Lead:Guru Nanak)

Sikh devotees today celebrated the 538th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the first guru of Sikhs, while Hindu devotees performed prayers on the occasion of Kartik Purnima or the full moon day.

Amritsar / Bhubaneswar, Nov 24 : Sikh devotees today celebrated the 538th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the first guru of Sikhs, while Hindu devotees performed prayers on the occasion of "Kartik Purnima" or the full moon day.

Hundreds of devotees paid obeisance in Amritsar at the Golden temple.

"Everyone is equal here, be it Hindus, Muslim or Christians. Everyone comes here," said Budhram Bharadwaj, a devotee from Rohtak.

Devotees carried the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs, amid chanting of hymns. The procession was led by "Punj Piaras" or the beloved five.

The procession started from the Akal Takht, the highest spiritual seat of the Sikhs, and passed through the decorated streets and bazaars of the city.

Devotees organised 'langar' or community meal on the occasion during which "chapatis" or bread and dal, a pulse preparation, were distributed.

"On this auspicious occasion of Guru Nanak's birthday, I want to wish everyone. We pray to the almighty that this holy celebration passes off peacefully," said Chaman Sabharwal, a devotee.

Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of the Sikh religion, was born in November 1469 at Talwandi, now called Nankana Sahib.

The celebrations also include the three-day Akhand path, during which the Guru Granth Sahib is read continuously, from beginning to end without a break.

Meanwhile, a colourful boat festival was also held in Orissa to mark the full moon day.

Hundreds of Hindu devotees converged at holy Bindusagar pond to celebrate the "Boita Bandana ceremony" (boat worshipping ceremony), which is celebrated on the occasion of full moon day.

During the ceremony, which brings back memories of the state's glorious maritime past, people float miniature boats with lamps burning inside them.

"It is believed that by releasing the boat in the river on Kartik Purnima, the sins of a person are washed away and his wishes get fulfilled," said Swarna Lata Sahu, a devotee.

Foreign tourists also admired the way the festival is celebrated.

"It's very nice to see all people here together and doing this. I enjoyed it," said Catherine, a foreign tourist.

The full moon day was the day when ancient traders embarked from Orissa on sea voyages to countries like Bali, Java and Sumatra Island. The sea traders of Orissa had established contacts on these islands for business and commercial purposes.

ANI