550th Birthday Celebrations of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469-2019) November 12, 2019 (2019-7)

Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469-1539) was the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. His birthday is celebrated worldwide as Guru Nanak Gurpurab on Kartik Pooranmashi, the full-moon day in the month of Katak, October-November.Birth place of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji is considered holy place by Followers of Sikhism, Punjabi Hindus and Sahajdhari Sindhis across the Indian subcontinent. Because of his close connection with Hazrat Sheikh Farid-ud-din Ganj Shakar, the Punjabi Sufi saint, Nanak Dev Ji is also considered by many Muslims to be a Sufi, or adherent of Sufic tenets. His main teaching to the world was written down to be "devotion of thought and having good actions as the first of our jobs".

The day prior to the birthday, a procession, referred to as Nagarkirtan, is organized. This procession is led by the Panj Pyaras (Five Beloved Ones). They head the procession carrying the Sikh flag, known as the Nishan Sahib and the Palki (Palanquin) of Guru Granth Sahib. They are followed by teams of singers singing hymns and devotees sing the chorus. There are brass bands playing different tunes and 'Gatka" teams display their swordsmanship through various martial arts and as mock battles using traditional weapons. The procession pours into the streets of the town. The passage is covered with banners and gates decorated flags and flowers, for this special occasion. The leaders spread the massage of Sri Guru Nanak.

On the day of the "Gurpurab", the celebrations commence early in the morning at about 4 to 5 am. This time of the day is referred to as Amrit Vela. The day begins with the singing of Asa-di-Var (morning hymns). This is followed by any combination of Katha (exposition of the scripture) and Kirtan (hymns from the Sikh scriptures), in the praise of the Guru, followed by Langar, a special community lunch, arranged at the Gurudwaras by volunteers. The idea behind the free communal lunch is that everyone, irrespective of caste, class or creed, should be offered food in the spirit of seva (service) and bhakti (devotion).

In Pakistan main religious ceremony of Birthday of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji is held in Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib every year. On the occasion of the event Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB ) provides best available facilities to the Yatrees, in coordination with other government departments for their comfortable stay in Pakistan. Emphasis is made to improve these facilities in order to project Pakistan as a minorities' friendly country. Detail of the facilities provided to the Sikh yatrees by ETPB is as under:-

1. Reception/Langar:- Reception at Wagha Railway Station.

Provision of Langar on arrival / departure and throughout their stay in Pakistan.

2. Travel Arrangements:- Arrangements of special trains/buses for travelling of Yatrees.

3. Customs and Immigration:- • Liaison with Customs and Immigration / Rangers authorities for speedy immigration process for the Yatrees.

4. Security:- Adequate security arrangements in coordination with concerned Government Departments for the protection of Gurdwaras/Mandirs and Yatrees.

Provision of Security Staff of ETP Board to help Special Branch at Wagha Border for Bio-data Form filling of Yatrees.

Security Staff of ETP Board is detailed with Yatrees throughout their inland traveling in Pakistan.

5. Accommodation:- Comfortable boarding and loading arrangements for Yatrees within the premises of major Gurdwaras/Mandirs.

Various stalls, including Utility Store, Handicraft and Tourism are also established to facilitate the Yatrees.

6. Rituals:- To ensure holding of religious ceremonies in Gurdwaras as per traditions of Sikh religion.

7. Currency Exchange:- Arrangements for money exchange counters of National Bank of Pakistan/ Habib Bank Limited at Wagha Railway station and in all major Gurdwaras.

8. Telephone Facilities:- PTC telephone booths with NWD/ISD facilities in all main Gurdwaras.

Provision of Mobile SIMS for the Yatrees at all the major Gurdwaras.

9. Health Cover:- Round the clock availability of Doctors / Para Medical Staff for Yatrees during the travel of Yatrees and their stay at Gurdwaras/Mandirs.

On 550th Birthday Celebrations of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469-2019), the Commemorative Postage Stamps of Rs.20/- denomination each (set of 4) and Souviner Sheet of Rs. 550/- denomination are being issued by Pakistan Post on November 12, 2019.