Gurpurab celebrated with religious fervour

Srinagar, Nov 15: Gurpurab was celebrated by the Sikh community with religious fervour across Kashmir today.

Religious places of Sikh community were full of devotees throughout the day. Gurpurab is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji, one of the most celebrated Sikh Gurus and the founder of Sikhism. This Gurpurab was observed as the 555th birth anniversary of the founder of the Sikh religion.

One of the biggest gatherings of devotees was observed at Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara at Rainawari locality here. On the occasion, Kirtini Jathas, special prayers and other religious gatherings were held. During the event prominent Sikh clerics delivered lectures. The community had also installed langars (Food Stalls) for devotees.

The chairman All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC), Jagmohan Singh Raina, said that Guru Nanak Devji has traveled across the world, including J&K with the message of brotherhood.

“People should follow the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji so that his message of love and peace percolates down. Kashmir held a special place for Guru Nanak Ji since he visited the valley and Leh Ladakh along with his companions, which left an impact on Kashmir. There are various testimonies and artefacts which confirm the historical lineage with Gurudwara in Leh, Bijbehara, Ramnagar as well as many other parts of the union territory which are associated with his visit,” Raina said.

Raina said that on the occasion of this holy event, they prayed for the peace and prosperity of J&K. He said that every year, it is heart-warming to see Muslim community participate and provided all kinds of assistance during the festival.

The celebrations were also held in other city Gurduwaras located at Amira Kadal, Jawahar Nagar, Allochibagh, Barzulla, and Rangreth, while celebrations were held across north and south Kashmir Gurduwaras including Pulwama, Baramulla, Jammu and Ladakh.

On the day, the devotees paid obeisance in various Gurduwaras throughout the day and offered special prayers. Women, Children, and the elderly were seen wearing colorful clothes and greeting each other in homes and gurduwars.

“This is a special occasion, and we are happy to be part of it. On this occasion, we should remember the teaching of Sikhism and spread peace and brotherhood,” said a devotee in Srinagar.

Guru Nanak Dev ji, the founder of Sikhism, was born on April 15, 1469, at Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi in Shekhupura district in Pakistan, now Nanakana Sahib.

Meanwhile, the district administration had made elaborate arrangements for the occasion. Many politicians, including CM Omar Abdulla, LG Manoj Sinha greeted the people on the occasion. On Friday IGP Kashmir V K Birdhi also visited Chati Padshshi Gurdwara and greeted Sikh community on the occasion.