Surrounded by thick apple orchards, the beautiful village of Shadimarg, some 18 kilometres from south Kashmir’s Pulwama town, was abuzz on Monday as hundreds of enthusiastic Sikhs thronged the village to celebrate Baisakhi.
The road leading to the Chatti Padshahi Gurdwara in thevillage was decorated with buntings. Since early morning, Sikh devotees fromthe adjoining and far-off places made a beeline to the Gurdawara.
While the Sikh community celebrated the Baisaikhi withenthusiasm, the members from themajority Muslim community were seen wishing and helping them on the occasion.
“The place is an epitome of communal harmony and amity.Since decades we have been living here happily and peacefully alongside withour Muslim brothers,” said Sukhbeer Kour.
Kour said that the local Muslims not only eat from theirLangars (community Kitchens) but also helped them in serving the food to thedevotees.
According to Sikh history, Guru Hargobind Singh Sahab Ji,the sixth Sikh Guru had entered Kashmirin 1620 AD via Mughal Road and stayed in Shadimarg village with his twodisciples. The village presently comprises of 20 to 25 Sikh households.
Arjun Singh (21) who visited the place with his family toldGreater Kashmir that local Muslim residents at various places had made specialarrangements for the community.
“On our way to Shadimarg, the local boys at variousplaces guided our vehicle,” said Singh.
Dr Ravi Singh, president Gurduwara Prabandhak CommitteePulwama said that around 6000 people from different places of the state visitedthe Shadimarg Gurdawara on the occasion.