Guru Nanak Jayanti is the most important festival for the Sikhs in Nepal like everywhere in the world. The festival also called “Guru Nanak Gurpurab” or “Guru Nanak's Prakash Utsav” is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak (1469-1539).

Guru Nanak, the spiritual teacher who founded Sikhism in the 15th century was born at Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi, near Lahore, the Sekhpura district in April 15, 1469. Sekhpura district is now located in the present-day Punjab province of Pakistan. There is a “Gurudwara” called “Gurudwara Nankana Sahib” built at his birthplace. “Gurudwara” means doorway to the Guru (teacher).

Although Guru Nanak was born in April this festival is officially celebrated on the Kartik Purnima, the full moon day in Kartik (Oct/Nov) because Bhai Bala Janam Sakhi claimed Nanak’s birth on Kartik Purnima. Since Bhai Bala was childhood friend and lifelong friend of Guru Nanak himself, the tradition of celebrating his birth anniversary was established for the full moon day of November.

Guru Nanak as a spiritual leader formed the base of Sikh Religion preaching selfless service to humanity and social justice for all, irrespective of differences. He wrote "Guru Grantha Sahib" of 974 hymns, and its main verses elucidate that the creator of the Universe was one. It is believed that he traveled across India and as far as Nepal. According to the 2011 census population of Sikh community is around 7000 in this country.

Guru Nanak Jayanti Celebration in Kathmandu

It’s noted that many Sikhs out of 7000 in recent years have migrated back to India or settled overseas for personal or professional reasons but the ones who has Nepal home for centuries celebrate the Guru’s birthday boisterously.

Kathmandu’s famous Gurudwara, “Guru Nanak Satsang” in Kupondole, Patan, is an epitome of religious and social life for Nepali Sikhs. On the occasion of the auspicious Jayanti (birth anniversary) Sikhs of the valley with much enthusiasm gather here for Bhajan-Kirtan (devotional songs), prayers and followed by langar, a community meal at Gurdwaras for the attendants. Attendants don’t necessarily have to be a Sikh, the doorway to Guru is open to everyone regardless of their background and beliefs.

Likewise, in Rajrajeshwari Nirmal in Pashupatinath area, Gurudwara Nanak Math in Balaju and couple other Gurudwara of Kathmandu see many devotees pouring in to hear the recitation of “Guru Granth Sahib” followed by bhajans and langar.

Langar

Langar in Sikhism is a significant institution and one of the core values of the religion. Langar is a free community meal provided by Gurudwara. Meals in langar is all in all sattvic (vegetarian) and simple food consist of chapatis, rice, lentils, seasonal vegetables and rice pudding. The service is usually organized by Sikh Volunteers who gather at community kitchen and cook food on special occasions like Guru Nanak Jayanti. Visiting devotees sometimes lend hand at the kitchen as a contribution to this pious process of food making and serving.

Sikhs of Nepal take out Parade and perform Gatka (sword dance) on the streets of Nepalgunj on the auspicious occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti. Photo by Nihal Akhtar

Guru Nanak Jayanti Celebration in Nepalgunj

Like all the Gurudwaras around the world, Gurudwaras in Nepalgunj also organize bhajan, prayers, reading of “Guru Granth Sahib” followed by langar. But besides that Sikh Youths of Nepalgunj also organize energetic processions on the occasion of Guru Nanak's Prakash Utsav.

A Sikh carrying the Nishan Sahib (The Sikh Flag) leads the procession. He is followed by singers who recite prayers and hymns from the teachings of Guru Nanak while devotees recite the chorus. Following them are youths performing mock battles and fights to display their martial arts and extraordinaire swordsmanship called Gatka. Spectators gather in hundred or even thousands on the roadside cheer and clap to cheer these artists. Streets and procession vehicles are decked with Nishan Sahibs. The motive behind the procession is to relate people about Guru Nanak’s sacred teachings and his contribution to the community.  

Sikhs of Nepal take out a Parade and perform acrobat performances on the streets of Nepalgunj on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti. Photo by Nihal Akhtar

Nishan Sahib

The Nishan Sahib meaning exalted ensign is a triangular flag with the “Khanda” emblem at the center. The flag is made out of cotton or silk with a tassel at the fluttering end and hoisted on a tall flagpole outside Gurudwaras.

“Khanda” incorporates the four weapons used by Sikhs. Number one is Chakkar, a disc weapon, representing the all-embracing and all-encompassing nature of IkOankar. At the center of Chakkar is a double-edged sword also called Khanda, representing the passage one takes through life as illustrated by the ten founding Gurus of Sikh. Then on the outer edge design are two swords called Miri and Piri, representing the balanced life involving harmony of outer and inner lives of Sikhs.

REFERENCE

• Sikh Heritage of Nepal
• Nepali Times
• Ainews
• Hindustan Times
• SBS (Coin Photos)
• Sikh Research Institute