IN PICS: Religious fervour grips India on Guru Nanak Jayanti

Extensively celebrated as Gurupurab by the Sikhs, the birthday of their first guru, this day witnesses' large processions and special prayer gatherings at all Gurudwaras across the world.

Apart from Sikhs, the Nanakpanthi Hindus and other followers of Guru Nanak's philosophy also celebrate this festival.

The festivities in Sikhism revolve around the anniversaries of the 10 Sikh Gurus. These Gurus were responsible for shaping the beliefs of the Sikhs. Their birthdays, known as Gurpurabs, are occasions for celebration and prayer among the Sikhs.

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A Sikh devotee takes a dip in the pond at the Golden temple on the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev in Amritsar.

Photograph: Munish Sharma/Reuters

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A boy is silhouetted against the lights of an illuminated Gurudwara, as he practices Gatkha, a traditional form of martial arts on the eve of the anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev at Panchkula in Haryana.

Photograph: Ajay Verma/Reuters

Devotees watch fireworks at the holy Sikh shrine of Golden Temple in Amritsar.

Photograph: Munish Sharma/Reuters

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A performer spins the chakra, a traditional weapon, during a religious procession in Chandigarh.

Photograph:Ajay Verma/Reuters

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A pilgrim prays during a religious procession to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev in Nankana Sahib, 90 km (56 miles) from Lahore.

Photograph: Mohsin Raza/Reuters

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Sikhs hold swords during a religious procession in Chandigarh.

Photograph: Ajay Verma/Reuters