My home is filled with the sweet aroma of ghee. Gurbani shabads fill the air with a divine energy. Kada Prasad is being made for the special day today. I find myself in a joyful mood, as if I am celebrating the birth of this world. Yes, I believe that the world reawakened when it was blessed with the Guru. Today is Gurupurab–the birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji.
ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਪ੍ਰਗਟਿਆ ਮਿਟੀ ਧੁੰਧੁ ਜਗਿ ਚਾਨਣੁ ਹੋਆ।।
ਜਿਉ ਕਰਿ ਸੂਰਜੁ ਨਿਕਲਿਆ ਤਾਰੇ ਛਿਪੇ ਅੰਧੇਰੁ ਪਲੋਆ।।
Hindi: Satguru Nanak Pargateya, Miti Dhundh Jag Chanan Hoa,
Jio Kar Sooraj Nikliya, Taare Chhipe Andher Paloaa.
English Meaning: With the emergence of Guru Nanak, the mist (of ignorance) cleared and the light scattered all around. As if at sunrise, the stars disappeared, and the darkness and falsehood were dispelled.
Guru Nanak Dev was one such guru who dedicated his life to spreading the message of oneness of God, humility, compassion, service (sewa) and gratitude. He rejected superstitions and the division of people in the name of religion.
Guru Nanak formalised three basic guidelines for Sikhs, which formed the three pillars of Sikhism:
–Naam Japo (meditate/ chant the name of true God)
–Kirat Karo (living honestly)
–Vand Chhakko (share your wealth with others)
Guru Nanak not only preached these principles, but also practised them himself. A popular Sakhi from Guru Nanak’s life narrates an incident from his childhood when his father gave him money to go to the market to make a Saccha Sauda (“Meaningful Bargain”), hoping that the 12-year-old Nanak would start learning the family business. But Nanak chose to spend the money on feeding a group of saints who had not eaten for days. He explained to his father that this act of kindness was the “truest business.” Most gurudwaras run langar (community kitchen), which is funded by public donations and offers free meals to anyone regardless of religion, caste, or gender. All the devotees come together to prepare the food and help in serving and cleaning too. This is the highest form of service, kindness and sharing of wealth. It is believed that no person needs to sleep hungry if there’s a gurudwara near him.
The teachings of Guru Nanak and other Gurus in Sri Guru Granth Sahib have been my guiding light since childhood. Guru’s kindness is immeasurable and incomprehensible. It has no shape, form or colour–it’s indescribable. There is always a reassurance that Guru is taking care of my needs, my worries, my joys, and always protecting me. So, I celebrate Guru’s birthday with much vigour and joy in my heart.
ਕਲਿਜੁਗ ਬਾਬੇ ਤਾਰਿਆ ਸੱਤਨਾਮ ਪੜ੍ਹ ਮੰਤ੍ਰ ਸੁਣਾਯਾ॥
ਕਲਿ ਤਾਰਣ ਗੁਰ ਨਾਨਕ ਆਯਾ ॥੨੩॥
Hindi: Kaljug Babey Tariya Satnam Parh Mantar Sunaya
Kal Taran Gur Nanak Aiya
English Meaning: The Baba served mankind through His messages of divine virtue. Guru Nanak’s coming is in the service of mankind.
©Vandana Bhasin
05.11.2025