Srinagar, Apr 13: The Sikh community in the Kashmir Valley celebrated the festival of Baisakhi with great joy and enthusiasm on Sunday. Religious gatherings and vibrant celebrations took place at Gurdwaras across the region, marking the auspicious occasion with devotion and community spirit.
From the early hours of the morning, members of the Sikh community participated in religious activities, prayers, and festivities to commemorate Baisakhi, which is celebrated both as the day of the creation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji and as a harvest festival. The largest and most prominent event was held at the Chhatti Padshahi Gurudwara in Rainawari, Srinagar, where a large number of devotees, including men, women, and children, gathered to celebrate with immense religious fervour.
Gurdwaras across the Valley were adorned with festive decorations, reflecting the spirit of the occasion. Sikh organisations, in large numbers, participated in Nagar Kirtan (procession of hymns) that added to the vibrancy of the day. Langars (community kitchens) were set up at various locations, offering free meals to all, a key part of the Sikh tradition of selfless service.
Throughout the day, cultural events were organised to showcase Kashmir’s rich diversity, with Bhangra (traditional dance) performances and musical performances highlighting the valley’s syncretic traditions. The festive atmosphere extended to local markets, which buzzed with activity as people celebrated the occasion.
Bhangra performances were held on the streets and outside Gurdwaras, with Bhajan Kirtans (devotional hymns) being sung at various Gurdwaras across the Valley. Sikh devotees also visited Gurdwaras in Baramulla, Khawaja Bagh, and Paranpila in Uri, in northern Kashmir, to pay their respects.
APSCC Chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina expressed his happiness over the celebrations, emphasising the importance of the festival in bringing people of all communities closer. “Baisakhi brings happiness and joy among the people, providing a chance for different communities to come together and exchange pleasantries,” said Raina.
He also highlighted the spiritual significance of the day for the Sikh community, urging the youth to follow the path shown by Guru Gobind Singh Ji for peace and development. “For Sikhs, Baisakhi is celebrated as the day of the creation of the Khalsa Panth. This day is sacred and pious for the community, and I urge the youth to take inspiration from the teachings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji,” Raina said.
On the occasion, Raina appealed to the Sikh community to remain united and calm while seeking the resolution of long-pending issues. “I appeal to the Sikh community on this auspicious day to remain united and calm for the redressal of our long-pending issues by the government, and pray that our issues do not last for long,” he added.
