Gurpurab, the birthday (548th) of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev was celebrated throughout Jammu and Kashmir with traditional religious fervour and enthusiasm on Monday.Amid chill, people belonging to the Sikh community, attired in colorful dresses, paid obeisance at Gurdwaras. The main function was held at Gurdwara Chatipadshahi in old city’s Rainawari area while as the Amira Kadal and Jawahar Nagar Gurdwaras also witnessed heavy rush of devotees. Many religious and social organizations had arranged ‘langars’ for the devotees at these Gurdwaras. Reports from Jammu said that hundreds of devotees including men, women and children paid obeisance at various Gurdwaras, which were illuminated and decorated with colourful buntings. The main function was held at Gurdwara Yadgar Guru Nanak Devji (Near Bibi Chand Kaur Samadh) at Chand Nagar Gumat, where devotees paid obeisance and offered prayers. The Governor, N N Vohra, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, State Congress president Ghulam Ahmed Mir and others greeted the people on this occasion. In their messages, they described Guru Nanak Dev as an apostle of peace and tolerance. “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,” they said. (CNS)