Gurpurb celebrated with fervour

Tribune News Service

Jammu, November 11

The 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, Gurpurb, was celebrated across the region with great religious fervour and enthusiasm today.

Gurdwaras across the Jammu region were decorated with lights and prayers were held remembering the sacrifice of great Gurus in service of humanity and spreading the message of peace and brotherhood.

Thousands of devotees thronged these gurdwaras and offered prayers throughout the day. All city gurdwaras were illuminated and decorated with colourful buntings and light system where the devotees, including women and children, paid obeisance since early morning. An impressive function was held at Bibi Chand Kaur Samadhi at Chand Nagar in the heart of the city, where the devotees from all castes, creed and religion paid obeisance and offered prayers.

Heads of various Sikh organisations attended these religious events. A function was also organised at Nanak Nagar and Rani Talab. Ragi jathas from different states of north India also participated in the celebrations.

“Guru Nanak Dev showed the path of righteousness, brotherhood and compassion to people during turbulent times. The entire community follows his teachings to lead a peaceful life”, said Mohinder Singh, one of the devotees at Gandhi Nagar Gurdwara.

‘Shabad kirtan’ was recited by the priests from various gurdwaras of the region. Huge gathering of the sangat was witnessed at the gurdawara throughout the day. Many religious and social organisations had also arranged ‘langars’ for the devotees. The administration had made elaborated security arrangements for peaceful and incident-free prayers, besides making necessary traffic diversion to ensure smooth movement of devotees.

Similarly, the 550th Parksh Utsav of Guru Nanak Dev was celebrated at Gurdwara Digiana Ashram, Jammu, where various Sikh organisations along with thousand of Sikh sangat also joined with the Sikh United Front, J&K, Shiromani Akali Dal, J&K, Bhai Kanaya Nishkam Sewa Society, J&K, All India students Sikh Federaton, Shiromani Youth Akali Dal, Sikh Welfare Society, Sikh Naujawan Sabha, Istri Akali Dal, DGPC Jammu, Ragis and religious preachers attended the programme. Besides, former minister and senior Congress leader Raman Bhalla and S Sudershan Singh Wazir, chairman, Sikh United Front, J&K, also offered special prayer and addressed the religious gathering and threw light on the life and teachings of Guru Nanak Devi.

Wazir said Guru Nanak Dev was an inspiration for the humanity. He taught that truth and honesty always opened the way to progress and prosperity. All must continue to imbibe the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev that are relevant in today’s world.