Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti 2027

Puja Vidhi

Who Celebrates This Festival?

• Sikh Devotees: Sikh families observe this day to remember the tenth Guru and to renew their faith in the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib.
• Families and Youth: Parents and children take part so that the young learn about the Guru's courage, service and sacrifice (Seva).
• All Seekers: Anyone who is inspired by the Guru's message of truth, equality and fearlessness may join in the prayers.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Amrit Vela: The day begins in the early hours before sunrise (Brahma Muhurta, the pre-dawn period) with a bath and Nitnem, the daily prayers.
• Gurdwara Diwan: The main kirtan and katha are held in the morning at the Gurdwara. Check the timings for your city on this page.
• Langar: Served after the Ardas, to everyone who attends.
• Evening: Many Gurdwaras hold special evening Diwans, and Gurdwaras and homes are lit with lamps.

About the Festival

Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, also known as Prakash Parv, is a deeply revered observance of the Sikh community, which celebrates the birth of the tenth Guru. It takes place on the Saptami (seventh day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Paush.

The Katha (Story of the Creation of the Khalsa)

Once upon a time, in the town of Anandpur Sahib, a large gathering of Sikhs assembled on the day of Vaisakhi in 1699. The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who was born in Patna and became Guru as a child after the martyrdom of his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, stood before the crowd with a drawn sword in his hand.

The Guru asked who among them was ready to give his head for the Guru and for the faith. The crowd was silent and fearful, but Daya Ram rose and offered himself. He was taken to a tent, and the Guru returned with his sword stained. Four more Sikhs came forward one by one: Dharam Das, Mohkam Chand, Himmat Rai and Sahib Chand. The Guru then spoke: "The Khalsa is my own form. Be fearless, serve all people equally, and let no one be high or low among you."

He brought all five back in saffron robes and prepared the Amrit in an iron bowl, stirring it with a double-edged sword (Khanda) while the prayers were recited. He called them the Panj Pyare (the Five Beloved Ones), and he then asked them to initiate him too. He gave them the name Singh, and the Khalsa was born. Since that day, Sikhs have remembered Guru Gobind Singh Ji with devotion, courage and service.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before going to the Gurdwara or beginning the prayers at home:

• Holy Scripture: Guru Granth Sahib, or a Gutka Sahib (prayer book), kept clean on a raised seat with a Rumala (cloth cover)
• Head Covering: A clean Rumal or Chunni to cover the head, for all who attend
• Lamps & Lights: A Diya with Ghee and cotton wick
• Karah Prasad Ingredients: Wheat flour (Atta), Ghee, and Sugar, in equal parts
• Langar Items: Simple vegetarian food such as Dal, Roti, Sabzi, and Kheer
• Devotional Accessories: Fresh flowers, a Chaur Sahib (ceremonial whisk), and a small donation (Daswandh)

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Resolve

1. Wake up early during Amrit Vela, bathe, and wear clean clothes, covering the head.
2. Stand quietly with folded hands and make a personal Sankalp (resolve) before Waheguru: "O Waheguru, today I remember the Tenth Guru with humility and love. Grant me the strength to follow his teachings of truth, courage and service."
3. Recite Nitnem, the daily prayers (Japji Sahib and others), as the day begins. This is a day of celebration rather than a strict fast.

Step 2: Preparing the Space for Prayer

1. Clean the prayer room or visit the nearest Gurdwara. At home, set up a clean raised seat.
2. Place the Gutka Sahib or the Guru Granth Sahib respectfully, covered with a clean Rumala.
3. Light a Ghee Diya and place fresh flowers nearby.

Step 3: Preparing the Offerings

1. Making Karah Prasad: Prepare the Karah Prasad with equal parts of Atta, Ghee and Sugar, while reciting the Guru's name.
2. Covering the Prasad: Cover the Prasad with a clean cloth and keep it before the scripture.
3. Setting up Langar: Prepare simple vegetarian food to be shared with all.

Step 4: Reciting Gurbani and Katha

1. Sit respectfully in front of the scripture with your head covered.
2. Listen to or recite the Gurbani, the shabads of the Gurus, and the story of the Khalsa with deep focus and devotion.
3. Join the kirtan (devotional singing) at the Gurdwara or at home, or attend the Bhog (completion) of the Akhand Path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib) if one is held.

Step 5: Ardas and Hukamnama

1. Stand with folded hands for the Ardas (the congregational prayer of Sikhs), remembering the Gurus and their sacrifice.
2. Listen to the Hukamnama, the divine message taken at random from the Guru Granth Sahib.
3. Bow before the scripture and receive the Karah Prasad in both cupped hands.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Sharing Langar

1. Greet the elders in your family with respect and seek their blessings.
2. Distribute the Karah Prasad among your family members and neighbours.
3. Share Langar, the communal meal, with everyone, and serve with humility (Seva).