Gurpurab celebrated with gaiety

Srinagar, Jul 5: Gurpurab, the birth anniversary of Guru Har Gobindji was celebrated through the Kashmir Valley with religious fervour and gaiety.

Sikhs, in colourful attires, were visiting Gurdwaras and other holy places since early this morning.

However, the main function was held at Gurdwara on the foothill of Hariparbat in Rainawari area of the downtown city where thousands of members of the Sikh community including women, children participated in the prayers.

Muslims were also seen greeting their Sikh brethern.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra and Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad felicitated the people of state on the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of Guru Har Gobindji, the Sixth Guru of Khalsa Panth.

Reports of Gurpurab celebrations were also received from other parts of the Valley, including Tral, Baramulla and uptown.

In a message, the Governor said Guru Har Gobind was a saint-soldier who gave the Panth a unique philosophy of Piri (spiritual power) and Miri (military power), aimed at striving for a harmonious society which would stand against oppression.

He said Guruji's message of selfless service for the mankind based on the values of righteousness, truth and love is more relevant today when the world is faced with grave challenges emanating from the growing incidence of violence and intolerance.

Mr Vohra expressed the hope that the day would be celebrated with religious piety, keeping in view the values propounded by the great Guru.

Mr Azad hoped that the festival would be the harbinger of peace and prosperity in the State.

In his message, the Chief Minister while greeting the people said every religion teaches amity, harmony and peace and impressed upon them to strengthen these.

UNI