Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 551st Prakash Gurpurab 

Prabh Simran Singh

CHICAGO: Dhan Guru NANAK DEV Ji’s 551st Prakash Gurpurab was celebrated with great fervor at Devon Gurdwara Sahib of Chicago on  November 30, 2020. This evening program was held after the Paath Sodar Rehras Sahib.

The Gurpurab was celebrated with the cooperation and contribution of the whole Sadhsangat (holy congregation)who came to pay their obeisance and seek the blessings of Jagat Guru Dhan Guru Nanak Dev ji. Hazoori Ragi Jatha sang Gurbani Kirtan with great devotion and everyone enjoyed the blissful atmosphere. Langar was served after the Ardas.

Hazoori Ragi Jatha – Bhai Sahib Bhai Teerath Singh Ji, Bhai Trilok Singh Ji, and Bhai BachanSingh connected Sadhsangat to the principles laid down by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Besides rendering Kirtan

Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 AD to father – Mehta Kalyan Das Ji and mother – Mata Tripta Ji at ‘Rai Bhoye di Talwandi’ in Pakistan, which is now called Nankana Sahib Ji.

His elder sister was BibiNanake ji. He conducted a Sacha-Sauda for the 20 Rupees given to him by his father for business by preparing Langar and feeding the Hungry Sadhoos. Accompanied by Bhai Mardana Ji – the Rabab player; undertook 4 major spiritual journeys (UDAASI’s) to preach the message of oneness of God and to guide humanity who was derailed from the path of God.

He recited Jap Ji Sahib, which is read as part of the daily morning prayer by every Sikh. He also recited Asa-Di-Vaar, which is sung in all major Gurudwaras today across the globe. He also formalized the Three Pillars of Sikhism-

1. NAAM JAPO – Practice Simran – Contemplating on the name of God by the repetitive recitation of God’s Name – WAHEGURU and listening with ears. The Sikh is to recite the Nitnem daily in remembrance of the Grace and Kirpa of the Almighty.
2. KIRAT KARO – He asked the Sikhs to live as householders and practice Kirat Karo: to honestly earn, with hard work, by one’s physical and mental effort, while accepting God’s gifts and blessings. Live a life of decency, high moral values and spirituality.
3. VAND CHAKKO – The Sikhs were asked to share their wealth within the community by practicing VaṇḍChakkō – “Share and consume together”. The community or Sadhsangat is an important part of Sikhism. One must be part of a community that is pursuing the values set out by the Sikh Gurus and every Sikh must give, in whatever way possible to the community.