Oil lamps on the birth anniversary of Sikh founder Guru Nanak Dev

© REUTERS/Munish Sharm

Birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Today is ‘Gurupurab’ or ‘festival of the gurus’ of Sikkhism. The day, also known simply as Guru Nanak Jayanti commemorates the birth of the first Sikh guru. For the last two days, devout Sikhs all over the world have read the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhism. Gurudwaras all over the world are decorated with lights or diyas like the ones you see on today’s homepage. The day is also marked with holy processions called the Nagar Kirtan, with five armed guards called the Panj Pyaras leading the processions. Sacred quotes and hymns fill the air, with the sound of drums accompanying them.