To millions of Sikhs around the world, Guru Nanak is the prime teacher, philosopher and guide who gave them a religion, enriching their moral, social and educational characteristics. Regarded as one of the most renowned religious leaders of all times, Guru Nanak gave humanity some of the most precious values that are essential to promote harmony, peace, goodwill and understanding.
As Sikhs mark his 545th birth anniversary on November 6, 2014, tens of thousands of people, representing not only the Sikh religion but also other faiths, will assemble at Gurdwaras around the world and pay tributes to one of the greatest religious leaders of the world.
Ministers, businesspersons and community leaders would be among them.
Hardworking Community
They would also pay tributes to the Sikh community that has been one of the most active participants in the progress and prosperity of the country.
As the first settlers representing the Indian community, dating back to about 117 years, Sikhs have been epitomes of hard work, dedication and devotion.
Over the years, they have established themselves as farmers, doctors, lawyers, accountants, businesspersons, government officials and in other vocations.
Among our most celebrated personalities are members of the Sikh community.
As well as being successful in any venture that they undertake, Sikhs are known to preserve and promote their traditional and religious values.
The Gurudwars that they have built around the country bear testimony to their penchant for keeping alive the teachings of their Gurus.
It is therefore fitting that the Sikh community marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji every year with enthusiasm and religious fervour.
Sri Kalgidhar Sahib
Thousands of members and volunteers of the Supreme Sikh Society of New Zealand (which owns the Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sikh Sangat Gurdwara in Otahuhu and the Sri Kalgidhar Sahib in Takanini) will participate in Guru Nanak Jayanti on the days mentioned in the ensuing paragraphs.
Spokesman Daljit Singh said that t this year the event will comprise Kirtans, discourses and readings from the Guru Granth Sahib.
“We expect more than 5000 men, women and children to listen to Kirtans, rendered by two prominent singers from India and the ‘Kavishri’ conducted by scholars, also from India. Sri Kalgidhar Sahib will wear a festive look with the members of the community and others displaying solemnity that the occasion deserves. There would be popular games played at the Gurdwara grounds in Takanini on the day of Guru Nanak Jayanti. The festival is open to all,” he said.
Following are the details received by us from a few Gurdwaras.
Takanini
Guru Nanak Jayanti at the Takanini (South Auckland) Gurdwara will commence with ‘Main Diwan’ on November 6 at 6 pm. ‘Akhandpath Aramb,’ will be held on November 7, while ‘Bhog’ and ‘Diwan’ will be performed on November 9 from 11 am to 1 pm.
Sri Kalgidhar Sahib is located at 70, Takanini School Road, Takanini, South Auckland. Phone (09) 2962376; Email: supremesikhsocietynz@gmail.com
Otahuhu
Sri Kalgidhar Sahib located at 120 Princes Street in Otahuhu (South Auckland) will conduct ‘Akhandpath Aramb’ and ‘Bhog’ on November 7. For further information please call (09) 2769043.
Papatoetoe
Sri Dasmesh Darbar Gurdwara, located at 166 Kolmar Road in Papatoetoe (South Auckland) will begin Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrations on November 4 with ‘Sri Akhandpath Sahib Aramb’ at 7 pm on November 4, followed by ‘Bhog Sri Akhandpath Sahib’ at 630 pm on November 6, 2014. Other activities on this day would include ‘Rehraas Sahib’ (630 pm to 7 pm). ‘Kirtan Darbar’ (7 pm to 9 pm).
‘Guru Ka Langar’ will be served uninterrupted on all the days.
Avondale
Guru Arjan Dev Ji Gurdwara in Avondale (132 George Street) will begin Guru Nanak Jayanti on October 31 with ‘Akhandpath Aramb (1) followed by ‘Bhog’ on November 2. This place of worship will hold ‘Akhandpath Aramb’ (2) on November 4, ‘Bhog’ on November 6, ‘Akhandpath Aramb (3) on November 7 and ‘Bhog’ on November 9, 2014. Details of the programme can be obtained on phone (09) 8288171.
Tauranga
Gurdwara Sri Kalgidhar Sahib in Tauranga will mark Guru Nanak Jayanti from 6 pm to 10 pm on November 6, 2014. Details of the programme can be obtained on (07) 5434317. The Gurdwara is located at R41, Cheyne Road, Oroi East, Tauranga
Other Gurdwaras
Similar festivities will be held at Sri Nanaskar Thath Isher Darbar in Manurewa and other Centres, including Hamilton, Palmerston North, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, Wellington and Christchurch.
Ten Gurus
The festivities in the Sikh religion revolve around the anniversaries of the 10 Sikh Gurus, known as ‘Guruparabs.’ These Gurus were responsible for shaping the beliefs of the Sikhs. Their anniversaries are celebrated with great dedication and devotion. On the auspicious occasion of Guru Nanak Dev and indeed all Guruparabs, free sweets and langar (community lunches) are offered to everyone irrespective of religious faith. Men, women, and children, participate in this ‘Karseva’ as service to the community, cook food and distribute it in the ‘Guru ka Langar,’ with the traditional ‘Karah Prasad.’
The Sikhs also visit Gurdwaras where special programmes are held and religious songs are sung in praise of Guru Nanak. Houses and Gurdwaras are lit up to add to the festivities. The most sacred shrine of the Sikhs is the Golden Temple, located in the city of Amritsar, in Punjab, where Sikhs comprise the majority of the population. The Golden temple is named after its dome, which is covered completely with 400 kg of gold leaf.
Great Saint
Guru Nanak served as a beacon light for his age. He was a great seer, saint and mystic. A prolific poet and a unique singer of God’s laudation, he was the messenger of peace, love, truth and renaissance.
Even in his childhood, Guru Nanak had a mystic disposition and he used to talk about God with saints. He had a contemplative mind and a pious nature. He began to spend his time in meditation and spiritual practices. He was, by habit, reserved.
Guru Nanak’s ideas were ahead of his times. His universal message is as fresh and true even today as it was in the past, and Sikhs all over the world practice what he preached, to reaffirm their beliefs in the teachings of their founder.
He believed in and preached the concept of one God, one without any physical form.
That is why the Sikhs do not worship idols.
Guru Nanak 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.
He came to the world with a message of peace, unity, love and devotion to God. He came at a time when the Hindus and the Muslims were at loggerheads and at a time when real religion was believed to be mere rituals and forms.
He came to preach the gospel of peace, brotherhood or the unity of humanity, love and sacrifice.
