Guru Harkrishan Jayanti is an important Sikh religious observance that marks the birth anniversary of Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji, the eighth of the ten Sikh Gurus. He was born on July 7, 1656, in Kiratpur Sahib, Punjab, India. Guru Harkrishan Ji became a Guru at a very young age, following the death of his father, Guru Har Rai Ji, in 1661.
Guru Harkrishan Ji is revered for his deep spiritual wisdom, compassion, and service to humanity, despite being only seven years old when he became a Guru. He is particularly remembered for his acts of kindness and healing, especially during a smallpox epidemic in Delhi. He provided solace and comfort to the sick, earning him the title "Bala Pir" (Child Prophet). Unfortunately, he also contracted the disease and passed away in 1664 at the tender age of eight.
Guru Harkrishan is popularly referred to as Bal Guru as he was elevated to the position of guru at an early age. Guru Harkrishan Das Jayanti is celebrated each year on 23rd July. His Jayanti is celebrated as Prakash Diwas.
On Guru Harkrishan Jayanti, Sikhs gather in Gurdwaras (Sikh temples) to participate in prayers, kirtans (devotional singing), and langar (community meals). The day is marked by reciting hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy scripture), reflecting on the teachings of Guru Harkrishan Ji, and engaging in acts of service to others, following the Guru's example of selfless service.
The occasion is observed with devotion and reverence, highlighting the principles of humility, service, and compassion that Guru Harkrishan Ji embodied throughout his short life.
Celebrations
Guru Harkrishan Jayanti is celebrated with full religious fervor. People visit Gurdwara in the vicinity of their home. Special celebrations are held in Gurdwara Bangla Sahib to mark the occasion. Devotees chant Gurbanni on this day, either in the Gurdwara or their homes. Food or langar is specially prepared on the occasion and devotees take parsad prepared on the occasion. Special Kar Seva is performed on the occasion and devotees perform in the same with full vigour.
Devotees make dedicated efforts to make the day special for everyone. Sweet water is distributed at key locations in every nook and corner of the city in which celebrations are being done. Devotees organize special camps on highways and fellow travellers are served sweet water. This tradition is in existence since long and in earlier times too Sikhs used to hold such camps to offer sweet water to travellers who commuted on foot. This tradition continues unabated and Sikhs follow the same on Guru Harkrishan Jayanti.
The celebration of Guru Harkrishan Jayanti is a vibrant and spiritual event in the Sikh community. The day is marked by various religious and community activities, reflecting the teachings and legacy of Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji. Here’s how the day is typically celebrated:
1. Gurdwara Services:
Kirtan and Katha: Devotional hymns (kirtan) and religious discourses (katha) are central to the celebration. The hymns are sung in praise of Guru Harkrishan Ji, and the discourses recount his life, teachings, and acts of kindness, particularly his service to the sick during the smallpox epidemic.
Paath (Scripture Reading): Continuous recitations from the Guru Granth Sahib, the central religious scripture of Sikhism, take place. This may include a full reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, known as Akhand Paath, which takes about 48 hours to complete.
Ardas (Prayer): Special prayers are offered, seeking the Guru’s blessings for health, peace, and prosperity.
2. Langar (Community Kitchen):
A key part of the celebration is the langar, where free meals are prepared and served to everyone, irrespective of their religion, caste, or social status. This practice emphasizes the Sikh values of equality, service, and community.
3. Seva (Selfless Service):
Inspired by Guru Harkrishan Ji’s dedication to helping those in need, many Sikhs engage in acts of seva, or selfless service. This can include organizing health camps, distributing food and clothes to the needy, and other charitable activities.
4. Processions (Nagar Kirtan):
In some communities, Nagar Kirtan processions are organized. These processions involve singing hymns and carrying the Guru Granth Sahib in a beautifully decorated float through the streets, spreading the message of the Guru and Sikhism.
5. Educational Programs:
Talks, seminars, and educational programs are organized to educate the younger generation about the life and teachings of Guru Harkrishan Ji. This helps in passing down the values of humility, compassion, and service to future generations.
6. Decorations:
Gurdwaras and homes are often decorated with flowers and lights to mark the occasion. The atmosphere is one of joy and reverence.
7. Social Media and Community Engagement:
In modern times, many Sikhs share messages, quotes, and teachings of Guru Harkrishan Ji on social media, spreading awareness about the significance of the day.
The celebration of Guru Harkrishan Jayanti is a reminder of the Guru's teachings of humility, service, and devotion to God, encouraging Sikhs to follow in his footsteps.
Relevance of Gurdwara Bangla Sahib
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib has a special relevance for Sikhs. Due to Guru s blessings, the pool water in Gurdwara Bangla Sahib helped devotees overcome Small Pox which was prevalent in Delhi at that time. Guru Harkrishan used to stay at Bungalow of Raja Rai Singh which was located at the place where currently the pond in Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is located. By bathing in the pool which existed at that time, people got rid of small pox. Such was the devotion of the Guru for his devotees that he died himself while serving those suffering from small pox.इस आर्टिकल को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिये यहां क्लिक करें