SHAKEELA ANDRABI
SRINAGAR: The Sikh community on Saturday celebrated Baisakhi with religious fervour and traditional enthusiasm across Jammu and Kashmir.
The festival also marks the beginning of the solar year, and for the farming community of Punjab, it marks the time for the harvest of Rabi crops. The festival of Baisakhi, which is mainly celebrated in the north Indian states of Punjab and Haryana, marks the beginning of the Sikh New Year. It is also a commemoration of the formation of the Khalsa Panth of warriors under Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.
During Baisakhi, Shabdh Keertans were performed at Gurdwaras across Kashmir. The biggest function was held at Chatti Patshahi, Kathi Darwaza, and Rainawari in downtown.
Amid pleasant weather, the festival witnessed a massive rush of devotees in religious places across Kashmir.
“This festival has a unique significance in Kashmir, with people across all religions coming together and celebrating it. Like every year, I visited the Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara in Rainawari and participated in religious activities. We pray for peace and prosperity of entire Kashmir,” said Kartar Singh, a devotee at Rainawari.
On the occasion of Baisakhi, a huge rush was witnessed in Mughal Gardens ,Tulip Garden and other parks. People from the Sikh community were seen enjoying the festival with friends and families.
Every year, during the festival, Sikhs wake up early and visit Gurdwaras where langars or community feasts are arranged as part of charity on the day. People also exchange greetings with friends, neighbours, and relatives.
All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) Chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina said that the festival was celebrated with huge participation.
“The whole day passed in happiness and peace with religious programmes held across Kashmir. People from our community participate in Kertans, Kathas, and other programmes. The biggest programme was held at Chatti Padshahi, Kathi Darwaza Rainawari Srinagar in downtown where people across Kashmir came to visit. Like every year, Muslim community came to greet people at Rainawari Gurudwara and at other Gurdwaras,” Raina said.
Meanwhile, in north Kashmir, devotees from the Sikh community held religious gatherings at the Gurdwara Chatti Padshahi in Baramulla, Khawaja Bagh, and Paranpila in Uri.
Likewise, in south Kashmir, Baisakhi was celebrated at many places like Gurudawaras at Mattan, Singhpora, and Hutmora. The day is of great significance for the Sikh community. It is during this occasion that the community received the identity of 5 Kakars, which since then became a unique identity of Sikh appearance.
