‘Guru Nanak Jayanti’, the birthday of Guru Nanak Devji, is being celebrated today with religious zeal and gaiety across the country.

Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh greeted the nation on the occasion.

Ansari said that Guru Nanak Devji, the founder of Sikhism, is an apostle of universal love, piety and spiritual faith. His divine teachings guide us on the path of social harmony and unity.

In his message, Dr. Singh said that the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev, of peace and unity are very relevant in today's world.

"A Society without discrimination and distinction - the vision of Guru Nanakji is the vision towards which we should strive," he added.

The anniversaries of Sikh Gurus are known as Gurpurabs (festivals), and celebrated by Sikhs with devotion.

Gurpurabs mark the culmination of Prabhat Pheris, the early morning procession that starts from the gurdwaras and then goes around localities singing shabads (hymns).

The celebrations also include the three-day Akhand path, during which the Guru Granth Sahib is read continuously, from beginning to end without a break.

On the day of the festival, the Granth Sahib is also carried in a procession on a float, decorated with flowers, throughout a village or city.