SRINAGAR : The 545th birthday of Guru Nanak Dev, founder of Sikhism was today celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety in the Kashmir valley and Ladakh region.
Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, leaders of different political parties and separatist organisagtions have greeted people on the occasion.
Members of the Sikh community, including women and children, in colourful dresses were visiting Gurdwaras since morning despite below freezing temperature.
The main function was held at Gurdwara Chatipadshahi on the foothill of Kohimaran, where the shrine of Mehboob-ul-Aalam and a Hindu temple are also located.
Despite minus 1.6 minimum temperature, large number of sikhs, including women and children, from different parts of the city were visiting the Gurdwara.
Muslims and Kashmiri pandits were seen greeting their Sikh brethern on the occasion.
Special langars have been established in Gurdwaras for the devotees.
Similar religious functions were also held at Jawahar Nagar, Sanant Nagar and other places in Srinagar, Baramulla, Tral, Uri and Pulwama.
Hundreds of devotees also offered special prayers on the occasion of Gurupurab in Kargil and Leh despite below freezing temperature.
The All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) has conveyed its greetings to the people on the occasion of Gurupurab being celebrated around the globe.
In a statement, APSCC chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina, said: ‘People should follow teachings of Guru Ji and his message of love and peace should percolate down the world.
Ultimate peace can be achieved if people follow the path set out by Guru ji,”it said.
Kashmir held a special place for Guru ji since he visited the valley along with His companions which left an indomitable impact on Kashmir.
There are various testimonies and artifacts which confirm the historical lineage with Gurudwara in Leh, Bijbehara, Ramnagar as well as many other parts of the state which are associated with his visit, he said.
Guru Nank Dev ji visited Kashmir in 1518 AD. He stayed at Bijbehara and Awantipora. He happened to meet Pandit Brahm Das who was highly impressed with the way of life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji which led him to embrace Sikhism, the beginning of the Sikhism in the Valley, he added.
Mr Vohra has greeted the people on the auspicious occasion.
In a message of greetings, the Governor described Guru Nanak Dev as an apostle of peace and tolerance, adding that his teachings would continue to inspire generations, leading them to the path of righteousness and brotherhood. He said that Guruji strove all his life for social justice and equality and to bring about peace and harmony in the society.
The Governor hoped that the auspicious occasion would further strengthen brotherhood, communal harmony, amity and secular traditions and would be a harbinger of peace, progress and prosperity in the State.
Mr Abdullah has extended wishes to the people on the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev wishing them well being and happiness.
In his message on the eve of Gurupurab, the Chief Minister has expressed the hope that the day would be harbinger for peace and development of the State. He said the tradition of celebrating holy occasions and festivals in an atmosphere of togetherness in Jammu and Kashmir is the specialty of the state which should be further nurtured and strengthened.
(AGENCIES)
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