The 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, was celebrated with great devotion and festivity in both Chattogram and Dhaka as the Sikh community observed one of its most significant religious festivals, Gur Purab.
On Saturday, the second phase of the celebrations took place at the State Gurdwara, Chattogram Sikh Temple, located in the city’s Chawk Bazar area. The first phase was held on Friday at the central office of Guru Nanak Shahi in Dhaka. Over two days, both gurdwaras organized Akhand Path (continuous scripture recitation), Kirtan (devotional singing), Langar (community kitchen), and special prayers.
In addition to Sikh devotees living in Bangladesh, pilgrims from Punjab, India, also joined the celebrations and offered prayers.
The first phase in Dhaka was organized by the Gurdwara Nanakshahi Management Committee. The Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Kumar Verma, attended as the chief guest. Special guests included Ajeet Singh Bopara and Harbhajan Singh Sandhu. The second phase in Chattogram saw the presence of more than a hundred pilgrims from Punjab, including Jasovant Singh, Manojit Singh Saula Vhomba Watto, and Sukhdev Singh, along with members of the Dhaka Gurdwara Management Committee.
Members of the Gurdwara Management Committee said,
“Although the Sikh population in Bangladesh is small, every year this festival attracts devotees from home and abroad. Guru Nanak’s teachings-especially Ek Onkar, the concept of One God-carry a message of harmony and coexistence. Through this festival, we strive to spread that message.”
Pilgrim Ranjit Singh from Punjab said,
“It was my long-cherished desire to visit the gurdwaras in Bangladesh. This is my first time here, and I feel truly blessed. Guruji has fulfilled my wish.”
Pilgrim Manojit Singh added,
“The gurdwara is one of the holiest places for us. Wherever Guru Nanak’s memories reside, we try to visit at least once. We come to Bangladesh almost every year. This time too, the authorities have extended remarkable support.”
Shubhashish Das, Executive Member of the Dhaka Gurdwara Management Committee, said,
“Although the Sikh community in Bangladesh is small, we represent a bright example of interfaith harmony. The people of Bangladesh have always stood beside us-strengthening Guru Nanak’s message of compassion.”
Shyam Das, member of the Bangladesh Sikh Management Committee, said, “Bangladesh has a long tradition of communal harmony. This festival highlights our practice of inclusiveness. Each year during Gur Purab, we organize Akhand Path, Nagar Kirtan, and Langar. People from Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and all other communities join us. It is a symbol of our mutual respect.”
Gurpreet Kaur, member of the Chattogram Gurdwara State Temple Management Committee, said:
“As every year, Gur Purab was observed with utmost devotion. Law enforcement authorities cooperated fully. No untoward incident occurred. People from all religions participated. We aim to promote Guru Nanak’s message through non-communal spirit.”
Singh Bir Singh, the head Granthi (religious leader) of the Chattogram Gurdwara, stated,
“Guru Nanak was a beacon of humanity. He taught that our primary identity is human, religion comes later. He preached equality and discouraged discrimination, vengeance, and violence. His teachings are even more essential in today’s world.”
The Chattogram Gurdwara is one of the oldest Sikh places of worship in Bangladesh. Regular prayers, kirtan, and religious gatherings take place throughout the year. During major Sikh festivals like Gur Purab and Baisakhi, foreign devotees also visit in significant numbers.
Gurdwara Nanakshahi in Dhaka University area is considered the most prominent Sikh temple in Bangladesh. According to Sikh tradition, Guru Nanak Dev stayed near this location during his first Udasi (missionary journey), which inspired the naming of ‘Nanakshahi’. The gurdwara was renovated after 1947 with support from the Indian and Punjabi community. Today, it regularly hosts kirtan, Akhand Path, and Langar.