“Satguru Nanak pargatiya miti dhundh jag chanar Hoya” With Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s appearance in the world, fog disappeared and there was sunshine all around. Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born 554 years ago and he initiated Sikh religion. His basic aim was to eradicate superstitions and abolish casteism. He coined “Ek Omkaar” i.e God is One. His three basic teachings were Kirat Karo (do good for the community), Vand Chako (share with the community) and Naam Japo (sing the praise of God).
Every year Prabhat Pheri is taken out before Guru Nanak Jayanti in every colony of every city where a group of people gather together in the early hours of the morning, sing shabads and go around the colony. Suncity also started the Prabhat Pheri this year 11 days before Guru Nanak Jayanti.
Early in the morning at 4:30, people gathered together in front of the Suncity market. The mool mantra was recited for 15 minutes and on the dot at 4.45 the Prabhat Pheri started. Every day a block was chosen and with great enthusiasm, we would start the Pheri. We would recite Shabads on a mike along with Dholki and Chaine. Needless to say, the beautiful sounds of the praises of God resounded in the environment. After about half an hour of Pheri, we would go to a pre-decided house where we were welcomed with showers of flowers..we then sat in the house and there was another half an hour of kirtan. After Ardaas, langar was served with great love. Let’s not forget that the concept of Langar was also started by Guru Nanak Dev ji. His idea of a community kitchen goes on in every corner of the world with full love and devotion.
This went on for 11 days, starting on 16 November and culminating on 27th the day of Guru Nanak Jayanti. With each passing day, the temperature would decrease but the Sangat would increase every day. We started with a Sangat of 20 but by the last day, it was a congregation of nearly 60 ppl.
In these 11 days, we witnessed not only a show of spirituality but also a feeling of unity in the community. Prabhat Pheri was not restricted to just the Sikhs. We got together as a community, a big family. Looking after each other, asking about the absentees. Enjoying the langar together. Chatting, joking and deciding about the next day. So much so that on the last day it became emotional and everyone felt that we had nothing to look forward to the next day.
But as with all good things Prabhat Pheri of this year ended with a promise of next year. I would like to end with “Dhan Guru Nanak”: Guru Nanak Dev ji is great.
