Jammu/Srinagar: The 556th Parkash Purab of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and apostle of peace, unity, and universal brotherhood, was celebrated with great religious fervour and devotion across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.
From the plains of Jammu to the serene valleys of Kashmir, devotees paid rich tributes to the first Sikh Guru, whose teachings continue to inspire humanity towards the path of compassion, truth, and equality.
In Jammu Division, thousands of devotees thronged Gurudwaras early in the morning to offer prayers and participate in special ‘Kirtan Darbars’ and ‘Langars’. The main congregation was held at Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Chand Nagar, Jammu, where the day began with the recitation of Gurbani followed by Kirtan by prominent Ragis and religious preachers.
Devotees, including men, women, and children, joined in singing Shabads, spreading an aura of spirituality and peace.
The Gurudwara Management Committees had made elaborate arrangements to manage the heavy rush of devotees. Free community kitchens, or ‘Langars’, were organised throughout the day, serving food to thousands irrespective of caste, creed, or religion symbolizing Guru Nanak’s message of equality and service to mankind. Religious processions and Nagar Kirtans were taken out in several parts of Jammu city, including Nanak Nagar, Digiana, Simbal Camp, and RS Pura, where devotees, accompanied by the Panj Piaras, sang hymns and displayed traditional Gatka performances.
Prominent religious leaders highlighted Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s universal teachings, emphasizing his message of “Naam Japna, Kirat Karni, and Vand Chakna” to meditate on God’s name, earn an honest living, and share with others. The atmosphere remained charged with devotion as devotees distributed sweets and prasad, while Gurudwaras across the division were beautifully decorated with lights and flowers.
In Kashmir Division, the Parkash Purab was observed with equal zeal and devotion. The main function was held at Gurdwara Chatti Padshahi, Rainawari in Srinagar, one of the most revered Sikh shrines in the Valley. Hundreds of devotees from various districts participated in the day-long prayers. The event featured Gurbani Kirtan, recitation of Sukhmani Sahib, and special discourses on Guru Nanak’s life and teachings.
Similar gatherings were organized at Gurdwaras in Baramulla, Tral, Pulwama, Mattan, and Kupwara, where devotees offered prayers for peace, harmony, and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir. Volunteers and Gurudwara committees arranged community kitchens to serve Langar throughout the day. Religious leaders, while addressing the gatherings, urged people to follow the Guru’s path of humanity, tolerance, and service, and to stand united against hatred and division.
In Srinagar, messages of communal harmony were echoed as members of other communities also visited Gurudwaras to extend greetings and join the celebrations. Security arrangements were strengthened at all major religious places to ensure smooth observance of the festival.
The day concluded with evening Ardas and special prayers for global peace and well-being. Across Jammu and Kashmir, the spirit of the Parkash Purab reflected the timeless teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji — promoting oneness of mankind, humility, and compassion — values that continue to guide society even today.
