The 550th birth anniversary of the revered first Sikh Guru and founder of the Sikh religion Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, was celebrated in almost every country across the globe. To honor the great seer and celebrate his values and teachings, Guru Granth Sahib's Parkash Utsav took place inside the federal parliament in Canberra, Australia for the first time in Australian history.
On 21st October 2019, Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary celebrations were beautifully organised in Sikh style and tradition by the Australian Sikh Council. The Australian Federal Parliament resonated with the Shabads of Guru Nanak sung on Sikh musical instruments in the presence of members of Parliament, Sikh bodies from around the world, Sikh scholars, and activists from Australia.
Guru Granth Sahib, the Holy Scripture and the eternal Guru of the Sikhs was exhibited for the first time at the Australian Parliament House. This historic event that will be remembered by the Sikh community not only in Australia but worldwide for years to come.
Harkirat Singh Ajnoha of the Australian Sikh Council told SBS PUNJABI
He said, “This will be the first-ever Parkash (ceremonial opening) of Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh scriptures), and there will be Kirtan with Tanti Saaz (traditional musical instruments). The Panj Piaras (five beloved ones) will escort Sri Guru Granth Sahib ceremoniously from the security checkpoint outside the Parliament House, and the Parkash will take place at a designated room inside." At least 30 federal MPs and Senators have confirmed their presence for this historic event," he added.
There will also be ministers and senior leaders from all political parties, Mr. Ajnoha said. He said, "The Immigration Minister David Coleman, Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese, leader of the Greens Party Richard di Natale, Shadow Multicultural Minister Andrew Giles, and Assistant Multicultural Minister Jason Wood will join at the dinner thereafter, where Harinder Singh from SikhRI will present a keynote address."
"There will also be a representation of Gurdwaras and organizations from Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Riverland, Cairns, Woolgoolga, Alice Springs, Darwin, Gold Coast, and other regional cities and towns," he added.
Apart from this, many other events were organized in all major Australian cities, to mark the celebrations of Guru Nanak's birth anniversary. This landmark occasion celebrated the core values of Sikhs. It also served as an opportunity for Australian Sikhs to educate their future generations and society at large about their culture.