Amritsar, Nov 7 (ANI): Devotees thronged holy Sikh shrine Golden Temple in Amritsar city of India's northern state of Punjab on Thursday to mark the 545th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikh faith. Thousands of regular devotees and pilgrims from far and near converged at the Golden Temple to pay obeisance to the holy book Guru Granth Sahib, light candles and offer prayers for the well being of their families. A devotee, Gurvinder Singh, said people from far off places visit the holy temple to seek blessings for a better future. Fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das, was known for his humility, service, and deep devotion. He founded the city of Amritsar and designed the Golden Temple.
On this particular day, revered as the most auspicious, devout Sikhs and even others from across the world throng Golden Temple to take holy dip on the occasion of Sikh festival Gurpurab. Meanwhile, in Poonch district of northern state of Jammu and Kashmir, devotees took part in a procession where the youths displayed their capabilities in martial arts. Sikhism was founded in the 15th century in Punjab by Guru Nanak Dev and has had 10 successive gurus. Guru Nanak was born in Nankana Saheb on this day in 1469.