Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 14: The Sikh community across Kashmir today celebrated Baisakhi with traditional enthusiasm and religious fervour, as thousands of devotees gathered at Gurdwaras across the Valley to offer prayers.
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Major Gurdwaras, including the historic Chatti Padshahi shrine in the Rainawari area of Srinagar’s old city, witnessed a steady influx of worshippers from early morning. The shrine was illuminated with decorative lights and adorned with flowers for the occasion.
Men, women and children, dressed in colourful traditional attire, participated in special congregational prayers, seeking peace, harmony and prosperity for the region. Community kitchens, or langars, were organised at Gurdwaras, where volunteers served free meals to all visitors irrespective of religion, caste or background. “This is one of the most important days for us. We prayed not only for our families but for the well-being of everyone in Kashmir,” said Satinder Kaur, a devotee at Chatti Padshahi. She added, “We have always lived peacefully with our Muslim brothers, and we hope this bond of brotherhood continues.”
Another devotee emphasised the message of unity and shared cultural identity. “Baisakhi marks the birth of the Khalsa and reminds us to stand together. We must not allow divisions to weaken our spirit. This is part of our shared Kashmiriyat,” he said.
Security was tightened at major religious sites, with police personnel deployed to manage crowds and ensure smooth movement of devotees. Senior officers, including Inspector General of Police for Kashmir V K Birdi, visited the Chatti Padshahi Gurdwara to review arrangements and extend greetings.
Large gatherings were also witnessed from north Kashmir’s Baramulla, Uri and Khawaja Bagh, as well as from south Kashmir areas including Mattan, Singhpora, Hutbora, Kanchanbal and Pampore, where similar scenes of devotion and celebration were witnessed.
Officials said the local administration had made elaborate arrangements, including sanitation, traffic management and security measures, to facilitate smooth celebrations across districts.
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