Sikh Devotees Celebrate 543rd Birth Anniversary (Prakash Gurpurb) of Guru Nanak with Great Zeal

Sikh devotees from far and near gathered at Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar in Southington to celebrate the 543rd anniversary of Guru Nanak with great devotion and celebration. Guru Nanak is the founder of Sikhism, which is based on his teachings and those of the nine Sikh Gurus who followed him and carried the message of Love and Peace.

Celebration Highlights:
On Friday morning, Nov. 11, continuous nonstop reading of the Sacred Sikh Scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib began (called Sri Akandpath sahib) from beginning to end.

This is done with a team of Sikh men and women, each reading for 2 to 3 hours over a 48-hour period. It was completed (1,430 pages, or angs) on the morning of Sunday, Nov. 13, the scheduled day of celebration, followed by conducting a religious service as outlined below:

1. Kirtan: (Singing of Holy Hymns (Gurbani) from the Sacred Sikh Scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib) by trained professionals and children.
2. Katha: (Sermon): An oration on Holy Hymns and teachings of the Gurus and the Guru Granth Sahib.
3. Ardas: (Standing Prayer): The Ardas is usually always done standing up with folded hands and is a means for the Sikhs to thank Waheguru (The Wonderful Lord) for all that He does for us. It must end with these mandatory words “Sarbat Da Bhalla” meaning a plea/prayer at His sanctuary for the welfare and prosperity of all mankind.

After the completion of the above service and prayer, all devotees proceeded to the dining hall, or “Langar Hall” and shared community meal (Langar). Langar is a mandatory part/phase of every service in a Gurdwara.

Concept of Community Kitchen in Sikhism (commonly known as Guru-Ka-Langar):

Langar is a community food served equally to everyone without any discrimination of faith, color, caste, race, sex, status or position etc. Everybody sits on the mats on the langar hall floor (medical or health conditions exempted). The concept of same/equal status and respect to all prevails. This helps to learn equality, brotherhood and sisterhood.

This is an absolutely free and selfless service. Langar is always vegetarian and no intoxicating drinks are allowed. Bread and water belong to the Lord - and the desire to serve is the pleasure of Sikh disciples. Every Sikh is expected to take part in the running of the Gurdwara Community kitchen called “Guru Ka Langar.”

Another highlight of this auspicious celebration was that a Bone Marrow drive was also organized.

Deep devotions and a lively enthusiasm amongst all the congregants were quite visible during the celebrations.

For Statement by the President Obama on the Anniversary of the Birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji on Nov. 10, 2011, visit the following link: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/11/10/statement-president-anniversary-birth-guru-nanak-dev-ji

(Author, Manmohan Singh Bharara (Manny) is co-founder of Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar in Southington and is the founder of Sikh Faith Organization of Spiritual Enlightenment, UjaroDeepa.Org)