Share this story!            

City’s Sikhs come together for Guru Nanak’s death anniversary

* Karachi has about 3,000 Sikhs and 2 Gurudwaras

Text by Urooj Zia Photos by Akhtar Soomro

KARACHI: Humble ceremonies for Guru Nanak's death anniversary started off at Siri Guru Granth Sahib Gurudwara, Narainpura, with the ritual of Sukhmani Sabh -- the Head Granth, Sardar Krishna Singh reading portions of the Sikh's sacred Book Sri Guru Granth Sahib Maharaj Friday.

Guru Nanak (1469-1539), the founder of the Sikh religion, was born about 40 miles from Lahore in 1469.

The Gurudwara in Nainpura is ancient compared to other buildings around it today - its foundation stone was laid in 1905, while the structure itself was built in 1910. Though it now looks like any old building in Karachi, one can imagine its grandeur in the heydays, when the two short minarets on either side of the front wall must have stood out majestically, proclaiming the greatness of the Khalsa to all passers-by.

"There are two Gurudwaras in Karachi that cater to a total of 2,500 - 3,000 Sikhs in the city," Gurudwara Committee President, Sardar Bhola Singh, told Daily Times. "One is the Siri Guru Granth Sahib Gurudwara in Nainpura, and then there is an off-shoot, Guru Nanak Temple in Manora. The same ceremonies were held at the Gurudwara in Manora in the afternoon Friday," he said.

The committee president is the epitome of the Khalsa as he stands turbaned, and proudly displaying a Kara (steel bracelet) and a Kirpan (steel sword). "Today was the day Guru Nanak Sahab was 'joti joth chaley' - the day he left our world for the next one," Singh said. "We celebrate Guru Nanak's birthday in November according to the Nanakshahi calendar, and Vesaki (the Khalsa's birthday) on April 13"

The ritual of Sukhmani Sabh was followed by Ardaas - prayers for blessings, lead by the Head Granth, and around 1,200 worshippers chanting "Vahey Guru Ji" at appropriate intervals. This lasted around 20 minutes. "We pray for our Sanghat (the Sikh community), for our country, Pakistan, and for all Pakistanis," Singh pointed out.

Keertan was next and Geets were sung. The Raagi Jatha (choir), accompanied by harmoniums and tablas sang.

The ceremony was rounded off by distributing a langar (free food) to the Sangath. The langar consisted of vegetable food. "We start off the day by reading (paath) the five Banris at Amrath Veley (before dawn). This is followed by Ardaas, and the Samaapti (conclusion of prayers), all of which is done before sunrise," Singh said. "Then we read the Reras Sahib, followed by a Keertan, in the evening. Both of these (the morning prayer, and the afternoon prayer) are done every day."

An especially commendable feature that one can't help but notice at the Gurudwara is how the shoes of worshippers are handled. Everyone entering the Gurudwara has to remove their shoes before entering the main building that houses the Takhat Saabh (seat for the Head Granth).

A separate counter has been built inside the main gate, where worshippers deposit their shoes, which are guarded until they finish their prayers. "This was done, so that people can concentrate on praying more, rather than worrying about the security of their shoes," Singh explained with a smile.

Home | Karachi

Share this story!