Himachal governor, CM greet people on Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti

Himachal Pradesh Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Saturday greeted the people on the birth anniversary of 10th Sikh master Guru Gobind Singh.

Acharya Devvrat said Guru Gobind Singh worked for safeguarding religion and humanity and laid down his life for the cause of communal harmony and social service.

Virbhadra Singh said he fought against cruelty, injustice, atrocities and inhuman forces.

"The teachings of Guru Gobind Singh are more relevant in the present day context and we must resolve to follow in his footsteps to build a strong, prosperous and united nation," he said in a statement.

Thousands of devotees thronged the famous Sikh shrine at Manikaran in Kullu district, the historic gurdwara Sri Paonta Sahib in Sirmaur district and other gurdwaras across the state to mark 'Gurpurab'.

Gurdwaras were illuminated since Friday in the state capital Shimla, and there was a festive atmosphere to mark the occasion.

'Langars' , or community kitchens were arranged at several places in and around gurdwaras.

The 350th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Gobind Singh are being held at his birthplace in Bihar's Patna city in a big way.