The festivities of Sīkhs revolve around the anniversaries of the ten Sīkh Gurus who were responsible for shaping the beliefs of the Sīkhs. Celebration of their birth anniversaries are called Gurpūrabs. Guru Nānak Sāhib was the founder of Sīkhism and was born on 20th October, 1469 in Rai-Bhoi-di Thalwanḍi. This occasion celebrates his birth anniversary and it falls on Kārthik Pūraṇmāśhi (full moon day of the month Kārthik). The celebrations generally last for three days. Akhaṇḍ Pāṭh (a forty-eight-hour non-stop reading of the Guru Granthh Sāhib, the holy book of the Sīkhs) is held in the Gurudhwāras, two days before the occasion. On the eve of the festival, a procession is led by the Pan Pyāras (Five Beloved Ones).Devotees head the procession carrying the Sīkh flag, known as the Niśhān Sāhib and the Pālki (Palanquin) of Śhrī Guru Granthh Sāhib. Group of singers singing hymns, brass bands playing different tunes, 'Gaṭka' teams (Martial Arts) display their swordsmanship, and devotees singing the chorus are in the procession. The entire town wears a festive look with decorated streets & gates. The leaders also spread the message of Guru Nānak. On the day of the festival, celebrations begin early in the morning with the singing of Asa-di-Var (morning hymns) and hymns from the Sīkh scriptures followed by Kathā (exposition of the scripture) together with lectures and recitation of poems in the praise of the Guru. This is followed by Langar or special community lunch, which is arranged at the Gurudhwāras by volunteers. The basic intention behind this communal lunch is to serve food with Bhakthi (devotion) and Seva (service). Celebrations are at its best in Punjāb and Haryāṇa.