Thu Nov 14 03:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Thousands Celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti in Hyderabad with Colorful Procession
**HYDERABAD, INDIA -** The 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was celebrated with fervor in Hyderabad on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Thousands of devotees, many dressed in vibrant traditional attire, participated in a grand Nagar Kirtan procession through the city’s Afzalgunj neighborhood.
The procession, one of the largest in a week-long series of celebrations, featured traditional Sikh music, chants, and displays of “Gatka”, a centuries-old Sikh martial art. A team of 12 Gatka performers from Amritsar captivated onlookers with their skillful swordsmanship.
The procession, which spanned a kilometer, also included a palanquin carrying the holy book of the Sikhs, adorned with flowers. The atmosphere was further enhanced by the aroma of traditional Sikh dishes like dal-chawal and channa being served from stalls lining the route.
While the Sikh community in Hyderabad is relatively small, the celebrations were marked by a high level of enthusiasm. Local organizers noted that participation has been steadily increasing year after year, with non-Sikh communities showing growing interest in Sikh culture and religion.
The procession concluded with prayers at the Afazalgunj Gurudwara. Other processions took place throughout the week in Secunderabad, including one on Monday, November 11, which attracted over 4,000 participants, and another on Tuesday, November 12, in Alwal.
The celebrations serve as a testament to the vibrant spirit of Sikhism and its growing influence in India, particularly in Hyderabad.
First Piper 