Like elsewhere in country Gurupurab which is also known as Gurunanak Jayanti was celebrated In Kashmir valley with religious fever and sanctity where hundreds of Sikh devotees throng to the Chattipadshahi Gurdawar in Rainawari Srinagar to see blessing and offer prayers.Langars (community kitchenes) were arranged at several places in and around gurdwaras across valley. The whole atmosphere was very spiritual where Sikhs from other parts of valley also arrived to participate in the festivity to mark the 545th birth anniversary of the Guru.
The zeal for celebrating the Guru Nanak Jayanti by was clearly visible as Gurudwaras were well decorated; devotees were reciting hymns since morning from various scriptures. On the occasion Sikhs offered prayers and prays for the peace and prosperity of Valley adding that they hope the great saint showers his utmost blessings. Special prayers for flood affected people and humanity were also offered. “We must follow the teachings of Guru Ji. We offered special prayers for flood affected people and hope Guru Ji will showers his utmost blessings on us”, said Harbakhis Singh.
Pertinently Guru Nanak Jayanti is also known as ‘Guru Nanak’s Prakash Utsav’ and ‘Guru Nanak Gurpurab’. This sacred day marks the significance of the birth of the first Sikh Guru Guru Nanak. This day, celebrated like a festival, falls in the month of Kartik (November) according to the Hindu calendar.Meanwhile Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra extended greetings to people for Gurpurab and expressed hope that the festival will further strengthen brotherhood and communal harmony in the state.In a message, the Governor described Guru Nanak Dev as an apostle of peace and tolerance and said his teachings would continue to inspire generations, leading them to the path of righteousness and brotherhood.
"Guruji strove all his life for social justice and equality and to bring about peace and harmony in the society," Vohra said. The Governor expressed hope that the occasion would further strengthen brotherhood, communal harmony, amity and secular traditions and would be a harbinger of peace, progress and prosperity in the state.The Chief Minister called for dedicating this year’s Gurupurab to the flood sufferers and the sufferers of border shelling population. He asked the people to contribute greatly for the rehabilitation and welfare of affected families.
Omar Abdullah prayed for peace, development and prosperity of the State and its people.Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has felicitated the people on the Gurpurb.In a statement, the Party patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, President Mehbooba Mufti said Guru Nanak Dev Ji was an apostle of peace and tolerance and hoped the occasion would strengthen the bonds of love, amity and brotherhood among the people. They also prayed for the well-being of the people of the state.Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad has greeted people on the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Calling Guru Nanak ji as an apostle of peace and tolerance, Azad said that his teachings will continue to inspire people to strengthen the bonds of harmony, love and brotherhood.