Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha at Race Course in Dehradun on the auspicious occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti and Kartik Purnima. The Chief Minister offered prayers, bowed before the Guru Granth Sahib, and extended his heartfelt greetings to the people of Uttarakhand, particularly the Sikh community.
Our correspondent reports that the Chief Minister was warmly received by members of the Gurudwara committee and devotees present at the holy shrine. Amid devotional hymns and the fragrance of incense, he participated in the special prayers held to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and one of India’s most revered spiritual teachers.
Extending his greetings, Chief Minister Dhami said, “Guru Nanak Dev Ji dedicated his life to eradicating social evils and spreading the message of equality, compassion, and service to humanity. His teachings inspire us to promote harmony, brotherhood, and unity in society.” He added that Guru Nanak’s life and philosophy remain a guiding light for people of all faiths, showing the path of humility, devotion, and righteousness.
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Pushkar Singh Dhami On Guru Nanak Jayanti
Pushkar Singh Dhami On Guru Nanak Jayanti
Pushkar Singh Dhami On Guru Nanak Jayanti
Pushkar Singh Dhami On Guru Nanak Jayanti
Pushkar Singh Dhami On Guru Nanak Jayanti
Our correspondent adds that the Gurudwara premises were beautifully decorated with flowers and lights to mark the festive occasion. Devotees thronged the shrine early in the morning to offer prayers and participate in the ‘langar’ — a community meal symbolising equality and selfless service. The sound of kirtans (devotional songs) echoed across the premises, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism. It celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who was born in 1469 in Nankana Sahib, now in Pakistan. The festival is observed with immense devotion by Sikhs and people of other faiths around the world. It marks not only the birth of a great spiritual teacher but also the beginning of a movement that emphasised truth, equality, and service to mankind.
Traditionally, the celebrations begin two days before the main event with the continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib, known as ‘Akhand Path’. On the day of Gurpurab, processions are taken out with the sacred scripture placed on a decorated palanquin, accompanied by the singing of hymns and performances by the Gatka teams showcasing Sikh martial arts. The celebrations conclude with special prayers and community meals served to all, regardless of caste, religion, or social status.
Our correspondent reports that in Dehradun, special programmes were held in various Gurudwaras, including Guru Singh Sabha, Prem Nagar, and Rajpur Road. Thousands of devotees participated in the prayers, and volunteers distributed ‘karah prasad’ to all visitors. The message of peace and selfless service resonated strongly among attendees, reflecting the true spirit of Guru Nanak’s teachings.
Chief Minister Dhami interacted with members of the Sikh community and appreciated their contribution to social harmony and service in the state. He said, “Sikhism teaches us that service to humanity is the greatest form of worship. On this sacred occasion, we must all renew our commitment to serve the needy and work towards building a compassionate society.”
He also lauded the role of Gurudwaras in promoting communal harmony and providing relief to people during times of crisis, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Sikh organisations across the country came forward to assist people selflessly.
Our correspondent adds that the Chief Minister prayed for peace, prosperity, and harmony in the state. He urged citizens to draw inspiration from Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s universal message of “Ik Onkar” — the belief in one supreme God and the unity of all existence.
As part of the celebrations, langars were organised throughout the day in several Gurudwaras in Dehradun and other districts. Volunteers served meals, tea, and sweets to devotees and passers-by, continuing the centuries-old tradition of equality and collective sharing.
The event concluded with an evening ‘Ardas’ (prayer) and community hymn singing at the Gurudwara, where devotees prayed for the welfare of the nation and the world.
