LG pays obeisance at Gurudwara
Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, Apr 13: Baisakhi, marking the harvesting season and laying the foundation of Khalsa Panth was celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety across J&K today.
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Besides organising of Baisakhi Melas at different places in the UT, the religious get togethers and Shabad Kirtan was also held in various Gurudwaras of J&K. A grand function was held at Gurudwara Sahib Abtal in Ramgarh Samba where Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha joined the celebrations and paid obeisance at Gurudwara Sahib. On this auspicious day, he prayed for peace, prosperity, happiness and well-being of all.
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In his address, Sinha extended his heartiest greetings to the people and recalled the vision of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji for a just and inclusive society.
“I bow to the venerable Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji. Guruji’s message of selfless service, truthfulness, sacrifice, equality and universal love is an abiding source of inspiration for all of us,” he said.
On this day in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, the Tenth Sikh Guru, formalized the concept of Saint-Soldier by introducing the Amrit ceremony and transformed the Sikhs into a family of saints-soldiers, known as the Khalsa Panth,” the Lt Governor said.
He said a collective name given to the first five Khalsa is Panj Pyare, who were baptized by Guru Gobind Singh Ji were -Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh, Bhai Himmat Singh, Bhai Mohkam Singh, and Bhai Sahib Singh.
The Lt Governor called upon the youth to follow the ideals that Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji espoused throughout his life and strive relentlessly towards the upliftment of the poor and downtrodden. “On this Baisakhi, let us resolve to tread the path shown by Guru Gobind Singh Sahib”, he said.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor paid tribute to those martyred in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. He said the courage and supreme sacrifice of our martyrs will continue to inspire us to build India of their dreams.
He also lauded the invaluable contribution of the farming community in nation-building.
The function was organised by the Sikh Coordination Committee Jammu-Kashmir in collaboration with District Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, Samba. A special Gurmat Sangam was organised at Gurudwara Brahmgyaani Dhan Dhan Baba Budda Sahib featuring soul stirring Gurbani Kirtan, enlighting Katha Vichaar and inspiring religious discourses given by Raagis, preachers and religious scholars.
Ajit Singh , chairman of Sikh Coordination Committee J&K highlighted the enduring contributions of Guru Gobind Singh Ji on the occasion. A Guru Ka Langar was also organised.
Amarjeet Singh, president Gurudwara Sahib Abtal; senior officials of police and civil administration, religious heads, prominent citizens, community elders and people from all walks of life were present on the occasion and paid their obeisance at the Gurudwara Sahib.
Here in Jammu, the devotees of Sikh community were seen visiting Gurudwaras in the city to pay obeisance.
Baisakhi festival was also celebrated at Ranbir Canal road adjoining Rajinder Park here in which thousands of people including men, women and children attired in colourful dresses participated. The shopkeepers and vendors have installed many stalls of eatables, fruits, toys etc. The children were seen busy in playing toys and enjoying fun and folic.
A three -day colourful Baisakhi festival function under the title `Basoa Baisakhi Mahotsav’ is also being organised across the Jammu district.
The annual festival Baisakhi was also organised by Civil Society Samba today, based on promoting local culture & language at Rajput Sabha Bhawan, Samba.
On the occasion Keshav Sharma, chairman DDC was present as chief guest.
Amardeep Singh, president Amar Kshatriya Rajput Sabha and Satpal Gupta were guests of honour.
A Dogri skit was staged by Naresh Kaka, Jyoti Hansa, Ravi Dutta and Rampaul Dogra which gave relevant Baisakhi festival message.
The historic three-day Devika Baisakhi mela commenced today with great zeal and enthusiasm on the banks of holy Devika rivulet in Udhampur district under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, Saloni Rai.
A cultural bonanza marked the beginning of the festivities. The District Administration had made all arrangements for the Mela.
Under the SVEEP initiative, a theme-based mega cultural programme was organized by the Department of Information and Public Relations DIC, Udhampur, presenting scintillating cultural performances depicting local traditions, which captivated the audience.
The Sikh community across Kashmir celebrated Baisakhi today with religious fervor, with the main function held at Gurudwara Chatti Padshahi in Rainawari.
Devotees, including children, men, women, and elders from various parts of the Valley, were seen arriving at Rainawari to participate in the special prayers held on the occasion. Special events were also held at other Gurudwaras situated in various parts of Kashmir.
On the occasion, special prayers, Kirtan, and other activities were organized, along with special kitchens at major Gurdwaras in Kashmir and at Gurudwara Chatti Padshahi. Additionally, many small stalls were installed by NGOs, adding to the festivities.
“On this day, our Khalsa came into being, and this is the reason we celebrate the day as Baisakhi-it is an important day,” said one of the devotees at Rainawari, Gurmeet Singh.
The organizers mentioned that several special invitees had reached Kashmir from the Golden Temple to attend the Baisakhi celebrations and take part in Kirtans, which were also attended by local Kirtan Jathas.
Another devotee, Kulveer Kaur, who was heading towards Gurudwara Chatti Padshahi, emphasized the day’s immense importance in the Sikh religion, highlighting the teachings of the Gurus of the Sikh faith, who always stood for peace and brotherhood. She also talked about the uniqueness of the festival in Kashmir.
“In Kashmir, we celebrate the day differently; such ways of celebration are hardly seen in the rest of the country; it is unique to Kashmir only,” she said.
Meanwhile, the authorities had put necessary arrangements in place for the occasion, ensuring hassle-free movement of the devotees throughout the day.
Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, also paid a visit to Gurudwara Chatti Padshahi, where he extended warm greetings to the Sikh fraternity on the occasion of Baisakhi.
The Gurudwara authorities expressed satisfaction over the arrangements and conveyed their gratitude to the Deputy Commissioner. During the visit, the DC also participated in the Gurbani at the Gurudwara.
DIG Central Kashmir Range, Rajiv Omprakash Pande and SSP Ashish Mishra also visited Gurudwara Chatti Padshahi and participated in the special prayers.
“It is Navratri as well, and it showcases the beauty of Kashmir that all religions are celebrating their festivals together,” Pande said.
Around 11,000 devotees converged at ancient Nagni Mata temple in Bhaderwah on the occasion of Baisakhi Nagni Dhar named after the serpent Goddess Nagni, which is located in the dense forest, eight kilometres from Bhaderwah town.
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