Patna, Nov 23 (PTI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday spoke of the close association of the state with Guru Nanak Dev, whose birth anniversary is being celebrated on this day.

Talking to reporters at the Patna Sahib Gurudwara, built in the memory of 10th and last Guru Gobind Singh who was born here, Kumar said grand celebrations will be held in the state on the occasion of Guru Nanaks 550th Prakash Utsav (birth anniversary) next year.

"We will celebrate the 550th Prakash Utsav in Rajgir, which was one of the couple of places in Bihar which Guru Nanak had visited. It is said that when Guru Nanak had approached the renowned hot springs there, in search of cool water, one of the fountains started oozing the same in an incident that is ascribed to the holiness of the spiritual giant," Kumar told reporters.

"The spot is called Guru Nanak Sheetal Kund. It is visited by Sikhs from all parts of the world and also held in reverence by people of other religions. Construction of a grand Gurudwara is also proposed there. Necessary clearances for the same have been granted by the state government as well as the Centre. We will strive to ensure that the temple is ready by the time the festivities are held next year," he said.

Situated in the Chief Ministers home district of Nalanda, Rajgir is a bustling pilgrimage town thronged by people of many faiths including Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs.

"Nanak had also stayed at Gaighat, which is close to Patna Sahib. Gaighat also derives its name from Sikh history. It is said that ninth Guru Tegh Bahadur had made the Ganges embody a cow for the benefit of Jaitamal, a contemporary of Nanak who had lived on for long and had stayed here for taking a dip in the holy river daily," the Chief Minister said.

"People from across the world had appreciated Bihars hospitality during the 350th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Gobind Singh. The state is ready to live up to its reputation when the world celebrates 550th birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism," he added.

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