The birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji – the 10th Guru of Sikhs – was celebrated with religious fervour and devotion across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.
Despite the cold, devotees thronged the Gurudwaras to attend special prayers and sermons.
The main function in Kashmir was observed at Shaheed Bunga Guruduwara Barzulla instead of Gurudwara Chattipadshahi at Rainawari which is under renovation.
A large number of Sikhs from across Kashmir joined the special prayers at Shaheed Bunga Guruduwara Barzulla.
Devotees expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made by authorities for celebration of the festival.
Similar celebrations were also held in Gurudwaras in various areas including Amira Kadal, Jawahar Nagar, Allochibagh, Tral, Rangreth, Pattan, Baramulla, Jammu and Ladakh.
All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) has greeted the people especially the Sikhs of J&K on the auspicious occasion.
“We should follow the footprints of Gobind Singh Ji and learn from his sacrifices which he made for the well being of humanity, with respect to all communities,” said APSCC chairman, Jagmohan Singh Raina.
He added that on the occasion, APSCC prayed for peace and prosperity of the J&K.
Raina said that Guru Gobind Singh Ji was one of the pioneers of Sikhism.
He said the teachings of Guru Ji are very much relevant even in the contemporary time adding the people would prosper if they follow the teachings in letter and spirit.
He said that people, especially the members of Sikh community should learn from the sacrifices offered by Guru Ji and his accomplices.
“Guru Ji adorned the Sikhs with the five Ks and transformed them into a martial community for the protection of humanity without any bias of caste, creed or religion,” he said.
The APSCC Chairman said that people from Kashmir were having blessings of Guru Ji and it was his persuasion that motivated Guru Teg Bahadur to sacrifice his life for the safety and security of mankind.
APSCC leaders Ajit Singh Mastana, Sant Singh, Principal Naranjan Singh, Davinder Singh, Gurudayal Singh and Master Kuldeep Singh have also greeted the people on this occasion.
The APSCC also reiterated its demand for making Punjabi as the official language of J&K and a job package for Sikh youth under minority category.
LG Greets People:
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has greeted the people on the occasion.
In a message of felicitations, the LG has observed that Guru Gobind Singh Ji was a great spiritual master, a warrior, poet, and philosopher, who throughout his life stood up against injustice and strived for establishing a society based on equality, brotherhood, and love.
“The values underlying the teachings of the great Guru and his valour transcends time and continues to inspire generations”, he added.
The LG expressed hope that the precious teachings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji would always keep us on the path of righteousness and wisdom, guiding our endeavours to establish a just social order furthering peace, prosperity and strengthening the bond of communal harmony in the region.