Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Sikhs celebrate founder Guru Nanak's birth anniversary

It is one of the biggest birthday celebrations in the world: millions of Sikhs will Tuesday mark the 550th birth anniversary of the founder of their religion, the Guru Nanak.

The annual celebration has been given extra significance this year with the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor, a secure, visa-free passage between arch-rivals India and Pakistan that gives Indian Sikhs access to the place where the guru died in 1539, now one of the religion's holiest sites.


Here are some more facts about Sikhs on the anniversary.

- What is Sikhism? -

Sikhism is a monotheistic religion born in the 15th-century in Punjab –- meaning the land of five rivers, a region spanning parts of what is now India and Pakistan.

Five and a half centuries later, Sikhs number up to 30 million worldwide, with a rich diaspora in places such as Canada, the US and Europe -- although the vast majority remain in India.

Once rulers of the Punjab, they were considered a martial race by the British colonisers.

Men, in particular, are instantly recognisable by their colourful turbans, used to cover their hair, which they must leave uncut.

That is one of the five articles of their faith they must carry all the time, known as the Five Ks: the Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (a steel bracelet), Kanga (a wooden comb), Kaccha (cotton underwear), and Kirpan (a curved dagger).

Sikhs worship God, known to them as Waheguru, or "wonderful teacher", inside gurdwaras, or "doorways to God". The word "Sikh" means the "seeker", or the "learner".

Male Sikhs bear the name "Singh", which means lion; while women go by "Kaur", or princess.

- Who was Guru Nanak? -

Guru Nanak was born in 1469 to a Hindu family at Nankana Sahib, a Pakistani city about 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the eastern city of Lahore.

Some legends say there were signs of divinity around him from the start, such as the time a cobra was found rearing over his head -- not to attack him, but to shade him from the sun as he napped.

As he grew older the Guru began travelling, preaching a faith based on equality and one God.

He died in 1539 in the Punjabi town of Kartarpur, in modern-day Pakistan, where his remains are buried.

Nine gurus followed Guru Nanak and there is no living human successor, but the Guru Granth Sahib -- the Sikh holy book -- is considered the 11th and eternal.

- What happens on his birthday? -

Sikhs around the world, but especially on the subcontinent, will come together to sing, pray, eat and hold sprawling processions to different gurdwaras.

Some of the biggest celebrations will be the site of their one of their holiest shrines, the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India.

In Pakistan, thousands of Sikhs are expected to mark the occasion at Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur.

- Why is this year special? -

Apart from it being the 550th anniversary, this year also saw the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor -- a secure land link allowing Indian Sikhs to visit the gurdwara in the Pakistani town where the Guru died.

The gurdwara at Kartarpur is so close to the India-Pakistan frontier that its white dome and four cupolas can be seen from across the border.

But the perennial enmity between the South Asian nations, arch-enemies since Pakistan was carved out of colonial India at independence from Britain in 1947, has meant that for decades Indians could not visit -- at least, not easily.

Many had likened it to Muslims being able to see Mecca or Medina, but never actually able to visit.

India has long been asking for Sikhs to be given access to Kartarpur, and last weekend their wish was finally granted with the opening of the corridor just days ahead of the birthday celebrations.

More For You

WPP CEO Mark Read to Exit as AI Reshapes Advertising Landscape

The challenges WPP faces extend beyond leadership changes

Getty Images

AI taking over advertising: Mark Read to step down as WPP chief

Mark Read, the chief executive of WPP, has announced he will step down later this year, as the advertising agency faces growing pressure from artificial intelligence and declining share prices. Once the largest advertising group globally, WPP is struggling to keep up with the fast-moving AI technologies that are reshaping the industry.

Read, who has been at WPP for more than 30 years and held the top job since 2018, will remain in the role until the end of 2025 while the company searches for his successor.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rooh dance tribute

Rooh: Within Her – A Dance Tribute Honouring the Soul of Womanhood

Getty images

Rooh: Silent Strength in Dance

In a world that often measures heroism through dramatic acts and monumental moments, Rooh: Within Her presents a strikingly different narrative — one that celebrates quiet resilience, enduring strength, and the understated courage found in the everyday lives of women. Set to take place on Friday, 20 June at the Midlands Arts Centre in Birmingham, this solo dance performance by acclaimed Kathak artist and choreographer Urja Desai Thakore promises an evocative and thought-provoking exploration of womanhood across time. Rooted in the classical Indian dance tradition yet deeply contemporary in its vision, the show captures the spirit of women who have shaped history in ways both visible and invisible.

The performance is an immersive journey through stories that span over two millennia, drawing inspiration from mythology, oral traditions, personal histories, and lived experiences. Rather than focusing on famous names or well-known figures, Thakore deliberately turns her attention to unsung heroines — women whose courage lies in persistence, nurturing, survival, and the ability to carry on in the face of adversity. From ancient civilisations to modern-day realities, Rooh: Within Her presents a dance tapestry woven with emotion, grace, and narrative depth.

Keep ReadingShow less
Imran Khan

Imran Khan has been held in Adiala Jail since August 2023 in several cases. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Imran Khan may secure bail on 11 June, says party leader

FORMER prime minister Imran Khan, 72, is expected to seek bail in the Al-Qadir Trust case when the Islamabad High Court (IHC) hears petitions on 11 June to suspend the sentences handed to him and his wife Bushra Bibi.

Khan has been held in Adiala Jail since August 2023 in several cases. PTI chief Gohar Ali Khan told ARY News that “June 11 is going to be an important day for both Khan and his wife,” but he gave no further reason. The IHC had earlier adjourned the matter after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) asked for more time to prepare its arguments.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati to Celebrate 25 Years of Monastic Life on June 11

Sadhviji, a renowned spiritual teacher and author

Parmarth Niketan

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati to celebrate 25 years of monastic life on June 11

Parmarth Niketan will mark the 25th sanyas anniversary of Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji on 11 June, honouring her quarter-century of spiritual service and dedication since she took monastic vows in 2000.

The ceremony will be held on the sacred Shri Rama Katha stage at Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh and will feature blessings from several prominent spiritual leaders. Among those attending are Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, Pujya Swami Ramdevji, mahamandaleshwars Rajendra Dasji, Ravindra Puriji and Harichetnanandji, as well as Pujya Sadhvi Ritambharaji, Pujya Acharya Balkrishanji, Dr Chinmaya Pandyaji and others.

Keep ReadingShow less
India’s Active Covid-19 Cases Exceed 6,000 as Infections Spike

Some states continue to report relatively low numbers

iStock

India’s active Covid-19 cases cross 6,000 mark as fresh infections rise

India’s total number of active COVID-19 cases has risen above 6,000, with health authorities reporting 358 new infections in the past 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). While there were no Covid related deaths during this period, the increase in cases is prompting state-level monitoring and precautionary measures.

Current case load and recoveries

As of 8:00 a.m. on June 9, 2025, India has 6,491 active Covid-19 cases. The central health ministry confirmed that 358 fresh cases were detected in the last 24 hours, with no fatalities reported in the same timeframe.

Keep ReadingShow less