Bihar CM lays stone of gurdwara at Rajgir

Tribune News Service

Patna, January 11

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar laid the foundation stone of Guru Nanak Sheetal Kund Gurdwara at Rajgir on Friday, in the memory of Guru Nanak, whose 550th birth anniversary is being observed this year.

Kumar said the state government had already announced a holiday on November 12. He, however, added that the government would extend help in the preparations for the celebrations as devotees from around the world would visit the state on the occasion.

Guru Nanak had visited Rajgir 512 years ago. Expressing his reverence for the founders of the Sikh sect, Kumar recited many anecdotes from the lives of Guru Nanak and his disciple Jaitamal, who lived close to the Ganges in Patna.

The Bihar CM said, “Malmas fair is organised every three years coinciding with Makar Sakranti. It is believed that 33 crore gods and goddess come during this fair in Rajgir.”

He added that tent cities were built each year for visiting Sikh devotees at Kangan Ghat in Patna City.

“A permanent community centre will be constructed so that it can be vacated for Sikh devotees during Prakash Utsav,” said Kumar.