Kashmir/ Srinagar (November 17, 2013 – reported by Mir Iqbal): The 545th birthday of Guru Nanak Dev, founder of Sikhism was today celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety in the Kashmir valley and Ladakh region.
Members of the Sikh community, including women and children, in colourful dresses were visiting Gurdwaras since morning despite below freezing temperature at some places.
The main function was held at Gurdwara Chatipadshahi on the foothill of Kohimaran, where the shrine of Mehboob-ul-Aalam and a Hindu temple are also located.
Despite minus 1.6 minimum temperatures a large number of Sikhs, including women and children, from different parts of the city were visiting the Gurudwara.
Muslims and Kashmiri pandits were seen greeting their Sikh brethern on the occasion.
Special langars have been established in Gurdwaras for the devotees.
Similar religious functions were also held at Jawahar Nagar, Sanant Nagar and other places in Srinagar, Baramulla, Tral, Uri and Pulwama.
Reports said that hundreds of devotees also offered special prayers on the occasion of Gurupurab in Kargil and Leh despite below freezing temperature.
The All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) has conveyed its greetings to the people on the occasion of Gurupurab being celebrated around the globe.
In a statement, APSCC chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina, said: “People should follow teachings of Guru Ji and his message of love and peace should percolate down the world.”
The statement also said that Kashmir held a special place for Guru ji since he visited the valley along with His companions which left an indomitable impact on Kashmir.
There are various testimonies and artifacts which confirm the historical lineage with Gurudwara in Leh, Bijbehara, Ramnagar as well as many other parts of the state which are associated with his visit, he said.
Guru Nank Dev ji visited Kashmir in 1518 AD. He stayed at Bijbehara and Awantipora. He happened to meet Pandit Brahm Das who was highly impressed with the way of life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji which led him to embrace Sikhism, the beginning of the Sikhism in the Valley, he added.