Gurpurab, the birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev, was celebrated with religious fervour and enthusiasm across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday.
The main functions in Srinagar were held at Shaheed Bunga Gurdwara Barzulla and Gurdwara Chatti Padshahi at Rainawari.
The Chatti Patshahi Sahib was illuminated and decorated with colorful buntings on the occasion. A large number of Sikhs from across Kashmir joined the special prayers.
A function was also held at Baramulla Chatipadshahi, where hundreds of Sikhs offered special prayers. Special 'langars' (free kitchens) were also organized for the devotees in various Gurdwaras.
Celebrations were also held in other local Gurdwaras including in Jawahar Nagar, Allochibagh, Barzulla, Tral, Rangreth and Pattan.
The Gurdwaras were beautifully decorated to mark the occasion. Members of Sikh community also illuminated their houses in the evening.
A large number of Muslims greeted the Sikhs on the occasion.
“The life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev teach us to adopt the principles of truthfulness, righteousness, compassion and service to mankind,” said Mandeep Singh, a devotee.
“The festival will go a long way in maintaining peace and tranquility. We prayed for the betterment of humanity across the world and asked for the Guru’s blessings in order to make the humanity to strive for worldly good by helping each other,” another devotee said.
Chairman, All Party Sikh Coordination Committee, Jagmohan Singh Raina said Kashmir had a special place for Guru Nanak as the revered founder of the Sikh faith had visited the valley.
"There are various testimonies and artefacts which confirm the historical lineage with Gurdwaras in Leh, Bijbehara and also at Ramnagar," he said.
Raina said that Guru Nanak preached against the caste system and carried out a campaign against the suppression that was going on at various places at that time.
Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism was born on 15 April 1469 at Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi in the district of Shekhupura in Pakistan, now Nanakana Sahib.