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Celebrations begin in the early morning (Amrit Vela, around 4-5 AM) with Prabhat Pheri (dawn procession). The Akhand Path (48-hour continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib) concludes on this day. Main celebrations continue throughout the day at Gurdwaras.
On this sacred day of Kartik Purnima, the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, I dedicate myself to the remembrance of Waheguru, service to humanity (sewa), truthful living, and sharing with the needy. I honour Guru Nanak's teachings of equality, compassion, and devotion to the One Creator.
Rise during Amrit Vela (pre-dawn, around 4 AM). Join the Prabhat Pheri — a community procession through the neighbourhood singing shabads (devotional hymns) from Guru Granth Sahib. The Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag) leads the procession.
Recite the complete Japji Sahib, the morning prayer composed by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. This is the opening composition of Guru Granth Sahib and encapsulates the core spiritual teachings. Recite with focus on the Mool Mantar.
Visit the Gurdwara for darshan. Participate in the special Kirtan (devotional singing) programmes. Listen to katha (discourse) about Guru Nanak's life, travels (Udasis), and teachings. Bow before Guru Granth Sahib with reverence.
Attend the Bhog (completion ceremony) of the Akhand Path — the 48-hour non-stop reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib that was started two days before. This culminates with Ardas (congregational prayer) and Hukamnama (divine command from a random opening of the scripture).
Participate in sewa (selfless service) at the Gurdwara or community. Help prepare and serve Langar (community kitchen meal) to all, regardless of caste, creed, or status. This is the central practice honouring Guru Nanak's teaching of equality.
In the evening, light lamps and candles at home and at the Gurdwara in celebration. Gurdwaras and homes are illuminated with lights (similar to Diwali). Attend the Rehras Sahib (evening prayer). Share sweets, especially Karah Prasad, with all visitors and neighbours.
Mool Mantar
ੴ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਅਜੂਨੀ ਸੈਭੰ ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥ इक ओंकार सतिनामु करता पुरखु निरभउ निरवैरु अकाल मूरति अजूनी सैभं गुर प्रसादि॥
ik oṃkār satināmu karatā purakhu nirbhau nirvair akāl mūrati ajūnī saibhaṃ gur prasādi ||
There is One Creator, whose name is Truth, the creative being, without fear, without enmity, timeless in form, beyond birth, self-existent, known by the Guru's grace.
108x Japa CountWaheguru Jaap
ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ वाहेगुरु वाहेगुरु वाहेगुरु वाहेगुरु
vāhegurū vāhegurū vāhegurū vāhegurū
Wonderful Lord! Wonderful Guru! — the ecstatic exclamation of the Divine Name, expressing wonder at the Creator's greatness.
108x Japa CountKarah Prasad (sacred pudding made from equal parts wheat flour, ghee, and sugar) is the primary offering. Langar — a full community meal of dal, roti, rice, and sabzi — is served free to all visitors. Sweets and fruits are also distributed.
Celebrating Guru Nanak Jayanti with devotion bestows spiritual awakening, inner peace, and divine grace. The practice of Langar sewa brings the merit of feeding thousands and cultivates humility and equality. Naam Simran (chanting the Divine Name) purifies the mind and brings one closer to Waheguru. Guru Nanak's blessings remove ego, attachment, and the cycle of suffering.