SRINAGAR: The birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji was celebrated with religious fervour and devotion across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.
Despite the cold weather, they gathered at Gurudwaras for special prayers and sermons, with a main congregation at Gurudwara Chatti Padshahi in Rainawari, Srinagar, and similar festivities at other places.
Similar celebrations were also held in Gurudwaras in various areas including Amira Kadal, Jawahar Nagar, Allochibagh, Tral, Rangreth, Pattan, Baramulla, Jammu and Ladakh.
Meanwhile, All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) Chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina in a statement has extended his greetings on the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh.
Raina has said that the people of the community should follow the path set out by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. In his message from Fortis Hospital, Bengaluru where he is recovering, the APSCC Chairman said that Guru Gobind Singh Ji was a Sikh warrior who established the Sikh Panth thus showing the path of love, compassion and brotherhood to the members of the community.
He said that Guru Gobind Singh Ji was a true human being who always believed in fairness, justice and equality.
“It is the responsibility of every member of the community to follow the path set out by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. This will be the best tribute to Guru Gobind Singh Ji. At the end of the day, it is humanity and the same message was spread by Guru Gobind Singh Ji,” said Raina.
Congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the inauguration of the Ram temple on January 22, the APSCC Chairman said that the PM should motivate and guide the Hindu youth so that they develop the spirit of love, brotherhood and compassion thus leading to communal harmony in the country.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha greeted the people on the occasion. In a post on X, he said “Greetings to all on the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Guru Ji was the embodiment of courage, righteousness, and universal brotherhood.
His ideals are a source of inspiration for the world. Let us rededicate ourselves to his teachings and the cause of humanity & harmony”.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Kashmir Zone V.K Birdi undertook a visit to Gurudwara Rainawari, Srinagar to personally inspect and review the arrangements in place for the devotees.
Accompanied by the officers, IGP Kashmir participated in the celebrations and later on interacted with the Gurudwara management, local authorities, and community leaders to ensure seamless coordination for the comfort and safety of worshippers.
Birdi appreciated the efforts of the Gurudwara committee in fostering a spirit of unity and nurturing a harmonious environment.
IGP Kashmir stressed the importance of maintaining a secure environment for religious gatherings and assured the community of the police force’s commitment to facilitating peaceful and undisturbed observances.
He highlighted the importance of fostering a strong and positive relationship between the police force and the community it serves. To put all the arrangements in place, he exhorted to work in close coordination to facilitate the community while celebrating the festival.
He also urged the officials to remain available for the assistance of visiting devotees.
The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Party President, Member of Parliament from Srinagar Dr Farooq Abdullah and Vice President Omar Abdullah greeted the people in general and the Sikh community in particular on the 357th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj.
The party president and vice president in their message on the occasion said that such festivals and observances are emblematic of the pluralistic visage of Jammu and Kashmir.
They prayed that the day increase the prospects of peace and prospects in Jammu and Kashmir and the country in general.
“The message of Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj was that of peace and universal brotherhood. He preached to the people to purge the vice and other social evils. On this day we pay our tributes to Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj and hope that the day strengthens the bond of brotherhood and camaraderie,” the duo said while greeting the people
The Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri along with IGP Kashmir, V K Birdi and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr Bilal Mohi-ud-Din visited Chattipatshahi Gurudwara Rainawari on the occasion of 358th Prakash Parv of tenth guru of Sikhism, Shri Guru Gobind Singh ji.
On the occasion, the Div Com and other officers greeted followers of Sikhism and devotees who had visited in large numbers to Gurudwara to celebrate the birthday of Sikh Guru.
Addressing the devotees, Div Com prayed for communal harmony, brotherhood, peace and prosperity of the region and country.
