Srinagar, Nov.2 : Sikhs in Kashmir celebrated 'Guru Purab', the birth anniversary of their first guru Guru Nanak Dev here on Monday with full devotion and prayed for the world peace.

On the occasion, celebrated at Gurudwaras, they All of them prayed for peace to prevail throughout the world.

Scores of devotees had converged at the Chati Padshai Gurudwara. Braving the morning chill, they took holy dip in the holy pond of the shrine.

Guru Purab which falls on full moon day is regarded as the most auspicious occasion by the Sikhs.

"We prayed that Kashmir remains united and the Muslims and the Hindus stay together as brothers," said Charanjeet Singh, a devotee.

The ceremonies at the Gurudwaras included singing of Kirtans (hymns) and Langars (mass serving of free meals).

"Everyone has prayed that the peace should prevail in Kashmir and everyone stays in peace and there should be progress and the Kashmiris should prosper as a community. This has been our prayer," said J B Singh, another Sikh devotee, Srinagar.

Born in 1469 in the small village of Talwandi near Lahore, Guru Nanak gave the world the message of unity of mankind - a world without distinction of caste or creed.

He rejected both idol worship and meaningless rituals, preaching the ideals of liberty, fraternity and equality.

Guru Nanak Dev was the founder of the Sikh religion. Sikhs all over the world practice what Guru Nanak preached to this very day, reaffirming their faith in the teachings of their founder. His message remains as fresh and true till date. Bilal Butt