Srinagar, Nov 2: Gurpurab, the birthday of 10th Guru of Sikhs, Guru Nanak Dev was today celebrated throughout the state with traditional religious fervour and enthusiasm.
 People belonging to the Sikh community, attired in colourful dresses, paid obeisance at Gurdwaras. The main function was held at Gurdwara Chatipadshahi in old city’s Rainawari area while as the Amira Kadal Gurdwara also witnessed heavy rush of devotees.
 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.  
 Many religious and social organizations had arranged ‘langars’ for the devotees at these Gurdwaras.
 The Governor, N N Vohra and chief minister, Omar Abdullah greeted the people on this occasion.
 In his message, the Governor 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, ``he said.
 The CM in his message described Guru Nanak Dev as a great Guru who preached and taught high values of humanism, brotherhood and amity. Greeting the people, especially the Sikh brethren, he wished peace and prosperity to the state and the country.
 Union minister, Farooq Abdullah also greeted people on the occasion.
 Gurpurab means ‘festival of the guru’. The Sikhs celebrate 10 Gurpurabs in a year. At each of these festivals, one of the ten gurus of the Khalsa Pantha is honoured.
 All Gurpurabs are considered auspicious and important but special significance is accorded to the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. The Sikhs believe that Guru Nanak brought enlightenment to the world. As such this festival is also known as-the festival of light.
 Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh faith was born in 1469 in a village called Talvandi near Lahore, in present-day Pakistan. His birth anniversary, or Guru Nanak’s jayanti, is celebrated by Sikhs as Gurpurab.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 2 Nov 2009 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 2 Nov 2009 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 3 Nov 2009 00:00:00 IST