Grand 'Vaisakhi' celebrations from today

Hyderabad: The 320th 'Khalsa Saajna Divas' (Khalsa Panth Foundation Day Celebrations) popularly known as "Vaisakhi" will be celebrated on a grand scale by the Sikh community of Telangana from April 13 to 15.

The major attraction of the celebrations wil be organised under aegis Prabhandak Committee Gurudwara Saheb Ameerpet. The Sadh Sangat of Ameerpet is geared up to organise the celebrations in befitting manner.

Two major important events ''Vishaal Deewan'' (Mass Congregation) and 'Nagar Keertan' (Holy Procession) will be held on April 14 (Sunday). ''Amrit Sanchaar (Holy Baptism)'' on April 13 and ''Rein Sabai Keertan Darbar (Night Congegation) on April 15.

Prabhandak Committee of Gurudwara Saheb Ameerpet, President S.Bhagender Singh, General Secretary S Surender Singh said that Khalsa Saajna Divas which falls on April 14, a 'Vishaal Deewan' (Mass Congregation) will be organised at Sri Guru Gobind Singhji Play Grounds, Ameerpet from 11 am to 4 pm in which large number Sikh devotees and other community faiths will converge at the programme.

The event will be marked by the recitations of Gurubani Keertans (Holy Hymns) by the reputed Ragi Jathas (religious preachers) who are being specially invited from various parts of the country to render shabad keertans.

Bhai Amandeep Singh Khalsa (Amritsar), Bhai Jaswinder Singh, (Amristar), Gyani Ranjeet Singh, Bhair Veer Singh and others will recite shabad keertans and Kathas and throw light on the teachings of Sikh Gurus. After the culmination of the congregation Guru Ka Langar (free community kitchen) will be served to the devotees.

On the same Sunday evening, a colourful 'Nagar Keertan', (Holy Procession) will be taken out at 5 pm from Gurudwara Saheb Ameerpet and will pass through the main corridors of Greenlands, Begumpet, Punjagutta and back to Gurudwara in the evening. Guru Granth Sahebji (the revered Holy Scripture of the Sikhs) will be carried on a beautifully decorated vehicle along with 'Nishaan Sahebans'(Religious Flags). Procession will be marked by the rendering of Shabad Keertans (Holy Hymns) by the Jatha Tera Jatha and Keerthani Jathas of men, women and youths. Besides that ''Panj Pyaras'' (five beloved ones) in their traditional attire will be the cynosure of the attraction all along the procession.

The major attraction of the procession will be the display of ''Gatka'' a famous Sikh martial art forms and other breathtaking sword exercises all along the procession by Dashmesh Kalgidhar Jatha and others.

Amrit Paan (Holy Baptism) will be performed on April 13 at 11 am at Gurudwara Saheb Ameerpet.

Night Congregation will be held between 8 pm and 1.30 am on April 15 at Guru Gobind Singhji Sports Play Grounds, Ameerpet in which Bhai Amandeep Singh Khalsa (Amritsar), Bhai Jaswinder Singh,(Amristar), Gyani Ranjeet Singh and others will recite shabad keertans and Kathas.