Jammu and Kashmir Celebrates Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 555th Birth Anniversary
The 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji was celebrated with great religious fervour and gaiety across Jammu and Kashmir today. Devotees from all communities came together to honor the great Guru’s teachings of unity, peace, and selfless service.
Large Gathering at Gurudwara Chatti Patshahi, Srinagar
In the Kashmir valley, a large function was held at the Gurudwara Chatti Patshahi in the Rainawari area of old Srinagar, where a large number of members of the Sikh community, including men, women, and children, thronged to pay obeisance. Special prayers were offered for the peace, stability, and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir and the entire nation. Similar functions were also organized in Tral, Baramulla, and Pulwama to mark the occasion.
Political Leaders Extend Greetings
Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha remarked that Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings of brotherhood, love, and sacrifice continue to inspire people to lead righteous lives and strengthen the bond of unity. He urged everyone to follow his noble teachings and work towards humanity and social equality.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha extended their greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on this auspicious occasion. Omar Abdullah praised Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message of compassion, unity, and selfless service, emphasizing the need to build a society based on mutual harmony and inclusivity.
Prominent political leaders such as National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, and Director General of J&K Police Nalin Prabhat, along with other officers and leaders, also joined in extending their best wishes to the Sikh community on this joyous occasion.
All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee Chairman’s Greetings
Jagmohan Singh Raina, Chairman of the All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC), also extended his greetings on the occasion. He encouraged people to follow the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji so that his message of love and peace permeates throughout society.
Celebration at Teetwal near LOC
At Teetwal, near the LOC in Kashmir, candle lighting ceremonies marked the celebration of Gurpurab at the local Gurdwara. The event was attended by locals who gathered to express their reverence for Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings.
Jammu Celebrates with Enthusiasm
In Jammu, the 555th Parkash Purab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji was celebrated with immense enthusiasm. The main program was organized by the District Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (DGPC) at Gurdwara Yaadgar Sri Guru Nanak Sahib, Chand Nagar, Jammu, starting at 10:00 am. A large number of devotees from the Sikh community, along with followers from other faiths, participated in the celebrations. The Gurdwara was beautifully decorated, and devotees began visiting early in the morning to seek the blessings of the great Guru.
Bhai Sukhwinder Singh Dadehar’s Address
On this occasion, Bhai Sukhwinder Singh Dadehar, a Sikh preacher from the Gurmat Gian Missionary College, Ludhiana, spoke on the life and message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He highlighted Guru Nanak’s extensive travels to spread the message of peace, love for humanity, selflessness, and belief in brotherhood and equality.
Kirtan and Religious Discourses
The celebrations featured Shabad Kirtan by Bhai Robin Preet Singh from Sultanpur Lodhi and Ragi Gurdev Singh Hazuri Ragi from Sri Darbar Sahib. Prominent local ragis, including Bhai Gian Singh, Bhai Harpreet Singh Chohala, and Bhai Rattan Singh, also performed Shabad Kirtan and spoke on the life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Guru Ka Langar and Stalls for Social Welfare
Various preaching organizations and the Health Department set up stalls at the Gurdwara, and Guru Ka Langar was served to devotees throughout the day. This communal feast was part of the celebration to promote the Guru’s message of equality and selfless service.
Prominent Political Leaders Pay Respect
Notable political figures, including Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Forest Minister Javed Rana, and Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President of NC, visited the Chand Nagar Gurdwara in Jammu to pay their respects. Tariq Hameed Karra (JKPCC Chief), Raman Bhalla (Working President of JKPCC), and other prominent political leaders also visited the Gurdwara to participate in the religious observances.
Jammu Police Officials Pay Respect
Among the prominent visitors were DIG Jammu-Kathua Range Shiv Kumar Sharma, ADC Jammu Ansuyia Jamwal, and other senior police officials like Vivek Shekhar SP City and Devinder Singh SDPO City North, who paid their respects at the Gurdwara.
Community and Religious Leaders Advocate for Community Welfare
Ranjeet Singh Tohra, the DGPC Jammu Chief, along with other office bearers, highlighted the demands of the Sikh community, ensuring that their voices are heard and the message of social justice continues to resonate within the broader community.
Similar Functions Held Across Jammu and Kashmir
Similar religious functions and celebrations were organized throughout Jammu and Kashmir, with the Sikh community and people from all walks of life coming together to celebrate the profound teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, emphasizing unity, peace, and mutual respect.
