PM Narendra Modi prays during the birth anniversary celebratios of Guru Gobind Singh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Prakash Utsav, which marks the 350th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, in Patna today. The huge festival, known as Prakash-Parv and attended every year by nearly 5 lakh devotees, was held at the city's iconic, sprawling Gandhi Maidan.
PM Modi offered prayers and served "langar" at the 61-acre area, covered with glittering tents.
Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru, was born in Patna on December 22, 1666 and spent part of his childhood here. His birthplace, the Sri Harmandir Sahib gurdwara, is steeped in his memories.
After attending the event, PM Modi tweeted:
The ceremony was also attended by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, ministers and other dignitaries from the state. A large number of Sikhs from India and abroad are participating in the week-long festival. Mr Badal is expected to issue a postal stamp on Guru Gobind Singh on the occasion.
PM Modi had reached Patna early this morning in an Indian Air Force aircraft. He was received by Governor Ramnath Kovind and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
In his address to the people, he said, "Guru Gobind Singhji has inspired mankind 350 years ago, the world should know it... He put knowledge at the core of his teachings and inspired so many people through his thoughts and ideals".
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has taken a personal interest in the preparations for the festival, regularly conducting surveys and interacting with the officials involved. The Bihar government had announced a three-day holiday for the event at Takht Harmandir Sahib.