Keeping the faith

The festival season might be almost over for most parts of the country, but the national capital is already decking up to witness another grand celebration. The Sikhs of Delhi are going all out with their preparations for Guru Nanak Jayanti which is on 12 November.

Japyneet Singh, a 22-year-old Delhiite says, “This time it’s double the celebration as we are celebrating the 550th birthday anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji. Nagar Keertan is taking place in every city where all the people are joining to do sewa including me. Singh is a devout follower and believes in serving people as the best way to serve God. “I’ll be giving my old clothes to small children outside a gurduwara. I personally do a lot of sewa (service) in the langar. I will also distribute chocolates in my society,” he elaborates.

For Aman Dubey, Guru Nanak Jayanti is an auspicious festival for his family. Aman says, “I will be celebrating it by lighting earthen lamps and diyas all around my house. It is customary for our family to go to the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara and help in the serving of Prasad. This is a way of showcasing our love and devotion to our Guru.” Dubey also says that this Saturday he had keertan in his home where all family members and friends were present, “I always love this part of the festival because I am able to meet my cousins and friends and enjoy the get-together.”

But if you think this is elaborate, then hold on. In Delhiite Manpreet Kaur’s home, the celebration takes place two-days in advance with the reading of Akhand Path which has to be recited non-stop, without any breaks. Manpreet says, “Our colony gurudwara then carries out a procession on the streets and we hand out prasad to everyone. We organise a langar for all so that people can come and receive blessings. My mother also helps in preparing the food in gurudwara as she believes that it is her honour and a great way to serve people.”

Adding to the joy of the city residents, the Delhi government has decided to lift the odd-even rule in the city on 11 and 12 November to help people celebrate the occasion.