The 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji was celebrated for the first time at London’s City Hall.
The event focused on the famous Udasis (journeys) of the Guru across Asia and the Middle East and the interfaith interactions that he had during those travels.
Speakers on the evening included Dr Deesha Chadha from the Hindu Forum for Britain and the Faiths Forum for London, Imam Sayed Ali Abbas Razawi from the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society, and Rev Dr John Parry from the Interfaith Centre for London.
The Assistant Director of the Inter Faith Network of the UK, Dr David Hampshire, spoke about the significance of the anniversary Sikhs across the world.
The keynote speaker was the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who spoke about the importance of the 550th anniversary as well as the relevance of the Guru’s philosophy and teachings in the present day.
The Chair of City Sikhs, Jasvir SIngh OBE, presented the Mayor with a book entitled ‘Mantra Art’ by Dr Juss Kaur, an artist based in Canada. Published by Kashi House, the book was accompanied by an exhibition of Dr Kaur's intricate paintings inspired by the Sikh concept of oneness.
Kirtan (Sikh spiritual music) was performed by members of the Raj Academy, a world renowned institution which specialises in reviving the musical traditions from the times of the Gurus.
The kirtan involved beautiful recitations of verses from the Sikh scriptures which mesmerised the diverse audience of over 250 people.
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