WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama has lauded the "many contributions that Sikh Americans have made" in a message of "best wishes" to Sikhs on the birth anniversary Guru Nanak, the founder of the religion.

BERLIN - Europe's largest Buddhist centre has got the go-ahead for a site at a former military complex outside Cologne, it was confirmed Friday.

ISLAMABAD - Over 4,000 Sikh pilgrims reached Pakistan by special trains through the Wagah border Friday to attend the 541st birth anniversary celebrations Nov 21 of Guru Nanak, the first guru of Sikhism, at hi birthplace