When Guru Nanak once went to bathe in the neighbouring river called Baeen her was disappeared in the water for three days. During those three days he was with God. He was given Amrit. God gave Guru Nanak his Divine name. After Guru Nanak had come back some people saw hallow around his head. Guru Nanak travelled around the world by foot and he met all kind of cultures and races. Guru Nanak was the founder of the Sikh religion and his messages were:
Share their earnings with others who are less fortunate - "Vand Chakna"
Always remember God - "Naam Japna"
Live a honest Life and to earn their living with honest labour - "Kirat Karna"
How is Guru Nanak’s Birthday celebrated?
Guru Nanak’s birthday is celebrated every November. They celebrate the occasion with an Akand Path; it’s a complete, non-stop reading of the Guru Granth Sahib. The Guru Granth Sahib is a Sikh holy book and it is taken with great care and respect. It is cushioned and covered with embroidered cloths. A fan (Chauri) is waved over the pages for a sign of respect.
All of this is taken part in a Gurdwara (temple). Reading the scriptures right through takes 48 hours. It starts getting read 2 days before the birthday of Guru Nanak. The Akand path continues through the day and right throughout the night. The Gurdwara is kept open at all times. A member of the Sikh community comes and listens to the reading of the scriptures. No one leaves the temple without being given a portion of blessed food. This is called karah parshad. It is prepared beforehand. Towards the end of the reading the Gurdwara is full with people. The Sikh community also sing religious hymns.
Every Gurdwara has a kitchen and Langar (food) is served. Sikhism forbids meat and all kinds of intoxications such as alcohol, there fore all food is strictly vegetarian. Spicy Vegetable dishes are served with Dahl and chapatti. There is usually salad and fruit or a desert such as rice pudding.
This birthday celebration is a day of joy and thanksgiving for the life and teaching of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
GURU NANAK’S PRAYER
Guru Nanak’s Prayer is known as the Shabad and goes like this:
There is but only one God,
True is his name,
He is the creator,
He is sans fear,
Sans animosity,
Free from the bonds of time and the cycle of births and deaths,
Self-created: can only be realized by the grace of the Guru.
Recite.
In the beginning was only that true one,
That true One was when the ages commenced.
That One is only true at present.
O Nanak, that One shall also remain true in all futurity.
