A Peek into Gurpurab: Sikhism's Festive Tradition
Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, warmly invites individuals from all walks of life to learn about Sikhism and its advocacy for equality, transcending barriers of class, gender, caste, and creed.
Sense of Wander: ★★★★★
Gurpurab, the Sikh festival, opens with the enchanting melodies of Kirtan, a soul-stirring musical tradition in Sikhism.
NEW TAIPEI, Taiwan — Since childhood, I've seen people sitting on the ground in rows, enjoying a communal meal on television. This scene left an impression on me, and I always associated it with India, thinking it was a part of the country's tradition. However, it wasn't until recently that I discovered the community meal, called Langar, which I've been fortunate enough to join as part of the Gurpurab celebration, is an important aspect of the Sikh tradition.
Gurpurab: A Sikh Festival
Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is a festival that celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devi, the founder of Sikhism.
Born in 1469 in what is now Pakistan, Guru Nanak was a man of compassion. An anecdote goes that, one day, Guru Nanak receives a sum of money from his father, with the intention that his son should invest it wisely. But instead, Guru Nanak used the money to feed a group of hungry people. This incident reflects the core principles that later came to define Sikhism, a faith that advocates altruism and service to humanity.
Guru Nanak then embarked on a spiritual journey that would shape the foundations of Sikhism. Legend has it that at the age of 30, Guru Nanak disappeared into the river for three days. When he reemerged, he spoke of a divine experience and proclaimed, “There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim.” This revelation marked the essence of Sikhism, which emphasises the oneness of God and the equality of people from all walks of life.
Throughout his life, Guru Nanak traveled extensively, spreading his message of love, compassion, and unity. His teachings were characterised by a rejection of rituals, caste distinctions, and idol worship. He advocated for a simple and direct relationship with God through prayer and meditation.
Before his passing in 1539, Guru Nanak appointed a successor, Guru Angad, who laid the groundwork for the formation of the Sikh community. Subsequent Gurus continued to expand and codify Sikh teachings, culminating in the compilation of the Guru Granth Sahib, Sihkism’s holy scripture. The principles of selfless service and equality have since defined the Sikh way of life.
The term “Gurpurab” is a compound of “Gur”, meaning Guru, and “Purab”, meaning “day” or “festival”. The first Gurpurab celebrated in Sikhism was none other than the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. But as the line of Sikh Gurus grew over time, the tradition of celebrating Gurpurab expanded to include the birth anniversaries of each of the ten Sikh Gurus, following the Nanakshahi calendar.
Granthi S. Daler Singhji (on the right) has been invited from India to hold the Gurpurab in New Taipei City. He’s seen leading the katha — a religious discourse aimed to imparting the teachings from Sikh scriptures.
What to expect at a Gurpurab?
Gurpurab is now an occasion for Sikhs to gather at gurdwaras (Sikh temples), engage in prayers, participate in community service, and reflect on the teachings of the Gurus. The Sikhs commemorate this day with special prayers, Kirtan (devotional singing), Langar (community kitchen providing free meals), and processions, to name a few.
I was fortunate to attend the Gurpurab held in New Taipei City earlier this month — my first close encounter with Sikhism. Arriving a bit late due to traffic, I hurriedly entered the venue, removing my shoes at the gate to head straight to the auditorium, as I didn’t want to miss any part of the festival. On my way, a Sikh — dressed in a dark blue robe with his hair intricately wrapped underneath an indigo-blue turban — kindly gestured towards a basket of head coverings near the entrance. But I brought my own, and swiftly donned it before receiving permission to enter the auditorium.
Etiquette Reminder — Covering the head, often with a turban or headscarf, is a traditional practice for both men and women in Sikhism. The act of covering the head carries cultural and religious significance; it symbolises humility, respect, and submission to the divine. Wearing a head covering is also considered a means of preserving the sanctity of the body, recognising the head as a sacred part of the human body.
During Gurpurab celebrations or any visit to a gurdwara, attendees are expected to cover their heads as a mark of reverence in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib. Also, before entering the gurdwaras, visitors are required to remove their shoes, wash their hands and feet, and observe other cleanliness practices as expressions of humility and respect.
Kirtan — Gurpurab commences with Kirtan, a soul-stirring musical tradition in Sikhism. The Sanskrit word “Kirtan” translates to “narrating, reciting,” embodying the act of “singing the praises of God.”
Led by skilled musicians and accompanied by traditional instruments, Kirtan becomes a spiritual journey, leading the attendees through the teachings of the Sikh Gurus. As the air resonates with melodious strains of devotional hymns, the faithful gather to partake in this joyous form of worship. The harmonious fusion of music and sacred verses nurtures a profound connection with the divine, creating an atmosphere of reverence and unity during the festivity.
Katha — At Gurpurab celebrations, the sacred tradition of Katha unfolds, presenting a profound narrative of Sikh history and teachings. Accomplished storytellers weave captivating tales from the lives of the Sikh Gurus, infusing the narrative with spiritual wisdom.
In my case, Granthi S. Daler Singhji — who came all the way from India — led the Katha. This oral tradition transforms Gurpurab into an immersive experience, where the essence of the Gurus' teachings resonates deeply within the hearts of those seeking inspiration and understanding.
Though spoken in Hindi, a language I obviously don't understand, I had help from Google Translator for a glimpse of the discourse and the power it emanates. I listened attentively, seeking a connection for my soul to comprehend this language, perhaps learned in one of my previous lives.
As Granthi S. Daler Singhji takes the Hukamnama and recites verses from the Sikh scripture, an attendant stands beside him, gracefully waving the “chaur sahib”, a ceremonial whisk.
Waheguru Jaap — Among the rhythmic whisper of devotion, Sikhs engage in the sacred practice of Waheguru Jaap during Gurpurab. This meditative repetition of the divine name, “Waheguru,” serves as a transcendent journey into the essence of Sikh spirituality. “Waheguru” literally means "wow guru" and can be understood as “Wonderful God” or “Wonderful Lord”.
With each utterance, the devotee's focus deepens, creating a harmonious symphony of prayer that reverberates through the heart and soul. For non-Sikh attendees like myself who are unfamiliar with this practice, we were taught that we say the word “wahe” as we breath in, and “guru” as we breathe out.
Waheguru Jaap is akin to a meditative dance, a serene communion with the divine, and an integral part of the contemplative tapestry woven during the celebration of Gurpurab.
Ardaas & Hukamnama — Ardaas emerges as a standing prayer, where the Sikhs are united in a chorus of heartfelt supplications, expressing gratitude for the teachings of the Gurus and seeking blessings for humanity.
Led by the Granthi (religious leader) or a respected member of the Sikh community, Ardaas transcends individual aspirations, adding to the prayer hall a sense of hope, unity, and reverence.
During Ardaas, I saw attendees expressing their support for the Sikh community by placing banknotes before the Granthi’s chest in prayer, a symbolic gesture of generosity and contribution.
The Hukamnama is an integral part of Sikh worship, symbolising the Sikhs’ acceptance of the divine will and guidance in their lives. During Hukamnama, a selected passage or verse from the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, is randomly chosen. The Granthi, a Sikh religious leader, reads aloud the chosen verse, and it is believed to offer guidance or insight for the community.
The congregation listens attentively to the Hukamnama as it’s seen as a “hukam” or divine command for the day. The teachings and messages conveyed in the Hukamnama may relate to various aspects of life, spirituality, morality, or current events. It holds significant reverence, and Sikhs consider it a source of inspiration and guidance for their daily lives.
As Gurpurab draws to a close, attendees receive a handful of “Prasad”, a sacred offering consecrated through prayers.
Prasad — The term “Prasad” originates from Sanskrit, meaning ”grace” or “blessing”. In Sikhism, Prasad is a sacred offering consecrated through prayers. It’s believed that the offering has been touched or blessed by the divine during religious rituals.
The act of distributing Prasad signifies the culmination of religious ceremonies, providing a poignant and humble conclusion to the worship. As Gurpurab draws to a close, volunteers are seen carrying bowls of these sacred blessings and offering them to attendees who, in this case, become recipients of the Guru’s grace. The Prasad, still warm when I received it, tasted like sweetened flour.
Though not a Sikh, partaking in Prasad evoked a sense of gratitude in me. I felt included in the spiritual blessings, despite my background and faith.
Langar: The Taste of Equality
For first timers to Gurpurab, there’s nothing more exciting than participating at the Langar, or community kitchen, that Sikhism is known to offer. Following the rituals and religious activities, we were invited to sit along the long carpets already laid out on the floor, forming rows, facing one another.
In Shikism, Langar relies on the dedicated efforts of volunteers known as “Sevadars”. These individuals selflessly contribute their time and service to ensure the smooth operation of the Langar and to fulfill the principles of selfless service (“seva”) and equality inherent in Sikh teachings. Sevadars come from diverse backgrounds and are often members of the Sikh community who willingly offer their assistance in preparing, serving, and cleaning up after meals.
For those experiencing Gurpurab for the first time, the event culminates in langar — an inclusive communal meal served to attendees free of charge.
The meal served at Langar was a delightful vegetarian spread, including two types of curry, puri bread, salad, and dessert.
Once seated, utensils are distributed first, then comes the food. At this very first Langar of my life, I was served a delightful array of food, including chana masala, paneer curry, a salad of sliced carrot, white radish and beetroots, puri (deep-fried bread), and rice. For desserts, Prasad (this time less sweet than the one offered at the end of Gurpurab, possibly made by a different seva) and walnut kheer were served.
During the meal, the volunteeers actively addressed to our needs and circulate to make sure that our plates were promptly replenished when empty. Each time they serve, they need to bow down in order to fill up the bowls and plates on the floor. This prompted me to sometimes lift my bowl, making it easier for them. Besides the food, some volunteers moved around with tissue papers — in case we needed them.
Langar is open to all, regardless of caste, creed, religion, or social status, highlighting the principle of oneness and equality in Sikhism. Volunteers play a crucial role in upholding this ethos by contributing their time and efforts to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, can partake in this egalitarian dining experience.
This is my first intimate encounter with Sikhism — a truly inspiring experience that taught me so much about its people and tradition in just a few hours. While Sikhism may not be as predominant as other major religions, its unique appeal fascinates me. I look forward to delving deeper into its faith and principles in the near future. And, of course, I would love to join a Langar whenever the opportunity arises! :)
Calling all wanderers — Have you ever been part of a Gurpurab celebration or langar? Share your experiences in the comment box below!
Langar wouldn’t be possible without a group of devoted volunteers known as “sevadars”, who dedicate their time to ensure the smooth operation of the communal kitchen.