Guru Nanak Gurpurab - Great ideas to celebrate this wonderful Sikh festival and how to make best of the Holiday

There is usually a holiday in India on Gurpurab which is also known as Guru Nanak's Prakash Utsav and Guru Nanak Dev Ji Jayanti. This day celebrates the birth of the first Sikh guru, Guru Nanak. This is considered one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism. And in 2020 it's on Monday which makes coming weekend a long weekend. Although in current times of COVID-19, I am not planning any travel during these 3 days but thought that it's worth compiling a blogpost which shares some of the interesting things happen on this day across Indian states and abroad. Trying to build a places with all resources to plan your Gurupurab holiday well in future.  

Let's understand how Gurupurab is celebrated amongst Sikh communities across the country and then focus on how you as a Sikh or non-Sikh can plan the day in such a way that it gives a good purpose to the holiday. 

The celebrations usually commence with Prabhat Pheris, which is early morning processions that begin at the Gurudwaras and proceed around the localities singing hymns. The celebrations begins early in the morning at about 4 to 5 a.m and this duration is known as 'Amrit Vela' in Sikhism. Usually there are kathas and Kirtans around the Gurudwara to remember and appreciate the Guru. Usually there is special Langar on the occasion of Gurupurab. 

By now, you must have figured out that Gurudwaras across the world are decorated beautiful for all these celebrations and if you wish you plan out station trip, Golden Temple in Amritsar can be a decent option. Other option in Punjab can be Anadpur Saheb, which is another important Gurdwara for Sikhs. 

Guru Nanak Gurpurab is celebrated celebrations are especially colorful in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and many more locations like in parts of Pakistan and England. Even some Sindhis celebrate this festival. I don't know enough about the celebrations in Canada but must be special given Punjabi population in that country. So if you want to plan a trip, this information can give you some insights about regions you may want to chose. The only caution I would give is that this is also a time when Gurudwaras have more people than usual. 

If you don't intend to go anywhere plan a visit to nearby Gurudwara and be a part of the celebrations and enjoy special langar. 

On special day of Guru Nanak Gurupurab, lot of people relish some special food at Langar in Gurudwaras, like following :

Kada Parshad - Kada parshad is made with wheat flour, ghee/butter and sugar. Kada parshad is made daily at the Gurdwaras and served with the spirit of equality among all. As a sign of humility and respect, visitors accept the offering with hands together and with respect. That's something I never miss when I visit Gurudwaras. 

In Delhi, we try visiting Bangla Sahib Gurudwara quite often and enjoy Kada Prasad there. 

Dal at Langar :

In Lagnar at Gurudwaras, creamy Punjabi dal is made with Split black urad dal and chana dal. It's made by putting lentils with water and whole spices to cook on slow flame in the evening and keep stirring it to become thick, creamy an dfalvorful. By morning its ready to be served to the devotees after tempering it.

Chana Dal Khichdi :

A simple but flavorful recipe made using rice and chana dal. This is a protein rich recipe which is also served in Guruduaras as parshad. Chana Dal Khichdi is a one pot meal which is delicious and easy to prepare. It is a wholesome nutritious meal in itself, which is an added benefit. We also like making it at home and love it with ghee or curd. 

Meethe Chawal (Sweet Rice) :

A traditional Punjabi Dessert and also popular in some parts of Himachal Pradesh. Usually Basmati rice and sugar syrup are the key ingredients of this dish. It's a saffron colored dish which is usually served flavored with cardamoms, cloves, cinnamon and kesar. Dry fruits like pistachios, almonds, walnuts, cashews & raisins are added to enhance the flavor of this recipe.

And if you go to any Gurudwara, don't forget to sprinkle some holy water on your body or take a dip. Below is a short video showing some preparations at Swarnmandir in Amritsar. 

Lot of wishes of Gurupurab and make best of this holiday with your loved ones !

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