🙏Namaste🙏
My new year began with some travelling. I went to my sister place to put on some weight (she is a great cook) or in other word to celebrste the new year, she has been calling for a while, but I am unable to make to her place. Finally now I visited her, to giver her a surprise and to enjoy my holidays. Although it was supposed to be a normal travelling, but as soon as took note of the Prakash Parv. I could not stopped myself to be at the place. I have heard about it many a times, but never been part of it.
It was a short train journey, that took me 4 hrs to reach to the place. The Indian train journey alwsys used to be having lots of fun, with many interesting adventure. As always I enjoyed my trip, and it does take long to reach my sister place.
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"Prakash Parv" is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, marking the day of "enlightenment" brought by his teachings and life dedicated to fighting against injustice and promoting righteousness. People and devotee all around the world celebrates his legacy as a warrior, poet, and spiritual leader who brought light to the world by eradicating darkness and ignorance. This is why his birth is considered a "Prakash" (enlightenment) event.
"Prakash" in Punjabi translates to "light," signifying the spreading of knowledge and spiritual enlightenment brought by Guru Gobind Singh. Sikhs worldwide celebrate Prakash Parv with special prayers, kirtan (devotional singing), langar (community meals), and processions in Gurdwaras.
On this auspicious ocassion, I am at the right place at the right time. I am at Takhat Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji, also known as Patna Sahib. The place is very popular among the sikhs, as because it is considered one of the five "Takhts" (seats of temporal authority) in Sikhism and is revered as the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last Sikh Guru. As one of the five Takhts, it holds significant religious authority within the Sikh community. Prakash Parv, the birth days will be observed on Monday, January 6, however the place is completelly illuminated for 3 days. It is actually a 3 days festival.
This is the main worshipping area. The place was over crowded with many devotees listening to the ardas, being performed by their spiritual leaders. Being a the birth place, huge crowds gather st this place. People from all walk make a visit to seek blessing. I was lucky enough to visting the place on the first day. Looking at the crowd, on first day, it appears to be right decision. As on Jan-6 it going to be over crowded. There were many people inside the main complex, and also many wandering outside.
I am especially visiting the place at night to see the place glowing. Even though the predation for more lighting was u derway, but whatever was presented was a treat to my eyes. Be it inside the Gufudwara complex or outside on the street, there was a unique kind of celebration mood all over the place. As I get inside the big gate, I felt like entering into a differrnt sphere. Though I am not Sikh, still I do respect them for their down to earth attitude and for various selfless act around the world. On entering, I was asked to keep the footwear in the basement areas. Visting such religious place with footwear is prohibited. The base ment has special arrangement to keep footwear. Keep your footwear on the rack and they will issue a token. The footwear will be returned on presenting the token back to them.
I visited the place before, but this time around it was a unique ambience. People seems to be in festival mood. I was asked to put up a head scarf on my head. Vistors were not supposed to enter open head, even the ladies were asked to cover their head. It is way tonoffer respect prayers tontbeir guru. There were many scarfs kept at the gate and you can tie it on your head. Hoodies were not allowed.
The entire complex was illuminated with bulbs and lights. The Gurudwara was too big to accommodate many vistors. As said before it was a different sphere a different world existing inside. I was feeling quite excited to be part of the celebration. And the lighting was too attractive.
I was not aware about Sikh culture, but I know of their heart warming behaviour. Inoffered my prayers I side thr main worshipping area, which was adorned with Gold. It was magnificent to watch so many people offering the prayers at the Takhat. I learned that more than 5 Lakh people were coming to atend this year celebration. It was a wonderful feeling being inside the complex. The inner sanctum is huge and impressive, and the Granth Sahib is displayed in all its glory. Visiting the Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji, Gurudwara, is a peaceful and holy experience.
The Gurudwara is located in the old part of Patna City. The Gurudwara offers a free food service called langar to all visitors. Visitors can also volunteer in langar services. The Gurudwara has 100 rooms (AC and non-AC) for pilgrims, available on a first come first served basis. In case you are planning, make sure to travel this during Prakash parv to feel enlighted.
