Tuesday, November 15 2005 11:17 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Special early-morning processions by devotees singing hymns wound across the streets as Sikhs marked the birth anniversary of their faith's founder, Guru Nanak, today (Nov 15, 2005).

Gurdwaras decorated with flowers, flags and posters depicting various aspects of Sikhism were holding congregations with special prayers, keertan or musical recitation of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib and katha or religious lectures as part of the day-long celebrations here.

Forty-eight-hour continuous readings from beginning to end of the Sikh holy scriptures ended at almost every Gurdwara early morning in traditional ceremonies marking the event.

Accompanied by the Panj Pyaras, representing the armed guard instituted by the tenth Guru, Gobind Singh, festive processions called Prabhat Pheris moved around localities early morning across Delhi in honour of the Guru.

Born in 1469, Guru Nanak denounced the caste system and taught that everyone is equal, regardless of caste, gender or religion.