Hundreds mark Guru Nanak Dev's 550th birth anniversary in Dubai

Dubai - Consul General of India to Dubai Vipul was also present on the occasion.

In what is being hailed as a once-in-a-lifetime event for Sikh communities across the world, hundreds of Sikh devotees gathered at the gurudwara in Dubai on Tuesday, November 12 to celebrate Guru Nanak Dev's 550^th birth anniversary.
Surender Singh Kandhari, chairman of Guru Nanak Darbar in Dubai, said he expects at least 70,000 visitors at the gurudwara during the five-day-long celebrations that began on November 10.
The spiritual multi-faith event - Akhan Path Sahib Bhog - was organised in the presence of Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, an Emirati politician, who said she was honoured and pleased to be part of the celebrations at the gurudwara. People of all ages and from different walks of life attended the prayers and spiritual talks held on Tuesday morning.
Consul General of India to Dubai Vipul was also present on the occasion. Speaking to Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the event, he said: "We are very happy to support the gurudwara and Surender Singh Kandhari. Guru Nanak Jayanti is being celebrated in all Indian diplomatic missions across the world. A special video elaborating Guru Nanak's teachings to the world was played at the various events as well."
Kandhari said the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district of India's Punjab, connecting it with the Darbar Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan, has made the celebrations very special this year.
Kandhari added: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime event for all of us. We are grateful to the government of the UAE for giving us the freedom to celebrate one of the most important days for Sikhs across the globe."
Visitors at the gurudwara said the event has been organised extremely well. KS Bassi, chairman of Carfree said: "I have been in the UAE for 43 years, and I am honoured to be part of such a great celebration. This is a big moment for Punjabis all over the UAE."
Dubai resident Bharti Gangaramani said: "The event has been exceptionally well-organised. Reminded me of celebrations back home."
On November 13, a slew of events, including an inter-faith meeting, will be attended by Sheikh Nahayan bin Mubarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Tolerance; Pavan Kapoor, Ambassador of India to UAE; and Dr Hamad Shaibani, Director General, Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department. "The programmes include talks, movie screenings, and interfaith dialogues," pointed out Kandhari.
There will also be a painting exhibition on the 'Life and Teachings of Guru Nanak Dev' from November 12 to 15 at the gurudwara.
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Dubai