GURU NANAK PURNIMA : Brotherhood Among Men

To the Sikhs and Hindus alike, the full moon of Kartik or Guru Nanak's birthday, is holy.

Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born in 1469 A.D. at a critical period of history when the people of India were divided into many castes and communities. In this time of misfortune, Guru Nanak came as a divine blessing to India. He became part of India's progressive movement from medievalism to modernity. He pioneered a change in religious beliefs creating new convictions and fervour among his followers. The Sikhs are godfearing people devoted to service. As an example of universal love and faith, Guru Nanak is worshipped by everyone in India on this auspicious day.

Readings from the venerated Granth Sahib, which contains the tenents of Sikhism, is an integral feature of very important occasion.

On this day langars, or community kitchens, are organised and all people who visit the Gurudwam share the simple but tasty meal of dal, roti, kada prasad and vegetables. All castes and creeds sit together to eat and sing hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib called Gurubani. Prasad is served to all and a reaffirmation of the principles taught by the gurus - equality, unity and brotherhood among all human beings - is made by everyone. The belief in the openess of religion to all creeds of people is reflected in the architecture of the Golden Temple which contains lofty archways on every side.

The Sikhs celebrate Guru Parabs, the birth anniversaries of all their gurus, but the most important ones are those of Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh, the last guru.