Nanded (Maharashtra), Oct 29 : Sikh devotees began the celebrations to mark the tri-centennial of the holy book Guru Granth Sahib here.

Nearly one million Sikhs are expected to descend here for the three-week celebrations to mark three centuries of their religion.

Sikhs are streaming in on special trains, buses and flights also to mark the 300th anniversary of the death of Guru Gobind Singh, the last of the 10 gurus.

Across the country in Gurudwaras, Sikh places of worship, special prayers were being said and processions held for the Nanded celebrations.

“Sikhs from all over India have gathered here to participate in this tri-centenary celebrations marking the completion of the Sikh religion’s holiest book, Guru Granth Sahib. We pray that our country progresses, our people live in harmony and are blessed with happiness,” said Daljit Singh, a devotee.

A giant tent city and ‘langars’ are in place for the visitors and devotees at Nanded. “The administration has put up tents and arranged beddings for the devotees. Around 30-40 community kitchens are also being run to provide food to the devotees,” said Dilip Singh Sodhi, another devotee.

Security has been tightened at Nanded, which has recently seen sporadic incidents of violence and clashes. (ANI)