Guru Gobind Singh’s birth anniversary celebrated with religious fervour

Devotees during Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Jayanti celebrations in Srinagar on Monday. — Excelsior/Shakeel
Devotees during Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Jayanti celebrations in Srinagar on Monday. — Excelsior/Shakeel

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Jan 5: The birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of Sikhs and the founder of the Khalsa Panth, was observed across Kashmir today with religious fervour, as devotees gathered at gurdwaras to pray for peace, prosperity, and brotherhood in the region.

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Despite cold weather conditions, men, women, and children from the Sikh community thronged gurdwaras across the Valley. The largest congregation was held at Gurdwara Chatti Patshahi in the Rainawari area of Srinagar, where devotees pay obeisance and take part in special prayers.
“Guru Gobind Singh Ji came into this world to fight cruelty and protect the oppressed. His message was clear: not to tolerate injustice and to always raise one’s voice against oppression,” one devotee said.
Special prayers, Shabad Kirtan, and recitation of Gurbani were organised at gurdwaras, focusing on the life, teachings, and sacrifices of Guru Gobind Singh, who is revered for standing for justice, equality, and humanity. Gurdwaras were decorated, and the celebrations were marked by a spirit of devotion and unity.
Similar religious gatherings were held in other parts of Kashmir, including Tral, Baramulla, Anantnag, and Pulwama. “We prayed for peace and prosperity of the region and for brotherhood among people. Guru Gobind Singh Ji carried the message of courage and justice. He taught us not to accept injustice, no matter who commits it,” a devotee said.
In Baramulla, devotees highlighted the Guru’s stand against social discrimination. “His aim was to end discrimination based on caste, creed, or colour. He fought for the rights of the poor and even sacrificed his entire family for justice,” a devotee said.
Another devotee in Baramulla said the day was a reminder of those sacrifices. “He sacrificed all his family members for the Sikh community. Today, we are celebrating his birth anniversary to remember those values.”
Women devotees also took part in large numbers. “Devotees from across Baramulla have come here today. We prayed for peace and also for good snowfall, as there has been less snow in recent seasons, which affects our crops,” she said.