Srinagar, June 25: Gurupurab was celebrated by the Sikh community with religious fervour across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday.
The occasion marks the birth anniversary of Guru Hargobind Ji – the sixth Guru of Sikhs.
Due to Covid-19 pandemic, the devotees visited Gurdwaras in small groups. The devotees adhered to Covid-19 protocol and followed safety guidelines at religious places and while celebrating the occasion.
The devotees prayed for peace and prosperity of J&K. The main function was held in Srinagar’s Rainawari at Chatipadshahi Gurudwara, where devotees paid obeisance throughout the day and offered special prayers.
The celebrations were also held in other city Gurdwaras located at Amira Kadal, Jawahar Nagar, Allochibagh, Barzulla, Rangreth, while celebrations were held across J&K including in Pulwama, Baramulla, Jammu and Ladakh.
All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) on the auspicious occasion greeted Sikh community of J&K.
The chairman APSCC Jagmohan Singh Raina termed the occasion significant for Kashmir since Guru Hargobind Ji had travelled to Kashmir to spread the message of peace and brotherhood.
The Guru Hargobindji is believed to have travelled to Kashmir in 1616 AD.
“There are Gurudwaras all across Kashmir in Hargobindji’s memory, among them prominent being Chattipadshahi Guruduwara located at Rainwari in Srinagar, which was built in 1819,” said Raina.
“The landmark (Chattipadshahi) stands as a mark of peace and brotherhood,” he said, adding, “Guru Ji constructed Akal Takth (God’s Throne); seat of temporal power inside Golden Temple at Amritsar. This place continues to be centre of sociopolitical activities and power for Sikh community.”
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has greeted the people on the auspicious occasion of Guru Hargobind Ji Prakash Parv.
In his message, the LG observed that sixth Sikh Guru, Hargobind Ji was the embodiment of devotion, selfless service, bravery, and sacrifice.
The LG added that a great warrior, spiritual master and an epitome of compassion and benevolence, Guru Ji taught us to put our lives into meaningful service for the prosperity of society.
The LG further said in his message that Guru Hargobind Ji’s teachings are a source of inspiration for all and his principles of humanity, secularism, and universal brotherhood would continue to guide humankind on the path of righteousness.
The LG, in his greetings message, has urged the people to follow the teachings of Sri Guru Hargobind ji to create a peaceful and prosperous society.