Amritsar (Punjab) [India], November 5 (ANI): Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday offered prayers at Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti and prayed for the progress of Punjab, the nation, and the world.

He said Guru Nanak Dev Ji gave the message of unity and togetherness, urging people to follow his teachings.

Speaking to the reporters in Amritsar, Harpal Singh Cheema said, '... We have prayed to the Guru for the progress of Punjab, the progress of the country, and the progress of the world...Anyone who believes in the Guru does not believe in casteism. There are some people who deliberately want to spoil the atmosphere of Punjab. They want to create tension in Punjab, and they all use such language...Guru Nanak Dev Ji gave the message of togetherness, and we should all follow that.'

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also paid obeisance at the Golden Temple on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti, extending greetings to devotees and praying for peace, prosperity, and progress in Punjab.

Speaking to the reporters, Bhagwant Mann said, 'I came here to pay obeisance on the occasion of Gurpurab. People across the world are bowing before Him and hearing his 'baani'. I received the opportunity to be here along with my family. I offered 'ardas' for the progress and peace in Punjab. This is the land of Gurus, of martyrs. May the Almighty bless the people of this land...'

'I extend greetings to all devotees. Several of them have gone to Nankana Sahib to pay obeisance. Wherever the 'baani' of 'Sarbat Da Bhala' echoes in the world, I would want there to be peace and prosperity,' he said.

Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the first Sikh Guru. The festival is observed annually on the full moon day of the Kartik month, known as Kartik Purnima. Devotees celebrate the occasion with prayers, devotional singing, and community service.

Parkash Utsav, marking the Guru's birth, is observed on this day, with celebrations continuing across gurdwaras until late at night.

A jatha of 1,796 Sikh pilgrims from India will visit Pakistan on November 5 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and pay their respects at various historic gurdwaras on the occasion of Parkash Purb. (ANI)