Why in news:

• Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Viah Purab was observed recently by Sikh community across the world, especially in the state of Punjab.

Key Points:

• Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the revered founder of Sikhism, is celebrated for his profound spiritual teachings, which emphasize unity, equality, and devotion.
• One of the most significant events in the Sikh calendar is the Viah Purab, or wedding anniversary, of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. This occasion not only commemorates the matrimonial union of Guru Nanak Dev Ji but also symbolizes the beginning of a life dedicated to the service of humanity and the pursuit of divine truth.
• Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born on April 15, 1469, in a small village called Rai Bhoi Ki Talwandi, now known as Nankana Sahib in present-day Pakistan.
• He was the son of Mehta Kalu and Mata Tripta and had an elder sister, Bebe Nanaki, who played a pivotal role in his early life. Nanak displayed exceptional intelligence and a deep inclination towards spirituality from a young age. His early experiences, particularly his time spent with his sister in Sultanpur, were instrumental in shaping his worldview and teachings.
• In 1487, at the age of 18, Guru Nanak Dev Ji married Bibi Sulkhani, the daughter of Mool Chand, a resident of Batala.
• This marriage was not just a personal milestone but also a reflection of the societal norms of the time, where arranged marriages were common.
• However, Guru Nanak Dev Ji's marriage was characterized by a notable departure from traditional rituals. He refused to adhere strictly to the Brahminical customs and rituals expected of him, emphasizing instead the importance of spiritual connection over ceremonial formalities. This decision highlighted his belief in equality and the rejection of caste distinctions, principles that would later become central to Sikhism.
• The marriage of Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Mata Sulakhni (also known as Bibi Sulkhani) symbolized the merging of the divine with the human, embodying the idea of spiritual partnership.
• Mata Sulakhni Ji supported Guru Nanak Dev Ji in his mission, demonstrating the integral role of companionship in the pursuit of spiritual goals. Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s marriage allowed him to fulfill his role as a householder while simultaneously pursuing his spiritual mission. His life, after marriage, was characterized by a balance between domestic responsibilities and his travels across the Indian subcontinent, spreading his message of equality and devotion.
• Through his life and teachings, Guru Nanak Dev Ji emphasized the importance of equality among all human beings, regardless of caste, creed, or gender.
• His marriage and the way he and Mata Sulakhni lived their lives served as a practical example of these principles.
• Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings, encapsulated in his famous phrase "There is no Hindu and no Musalman," emerged during his early spiritual experiences, including a profound three-day meditation by the river. This statement underscored his vision of universal brotherhood and the oneness of humanity, transcending religious and cultural divides.

Guruji’s Viah Purab is observed with great reverence and joy by Sikhs around the world. The celebrations typically involve:

• Religious Ceremonies:

• Sikhs gather in Gurdwaras (Sikh temples) for special prayers and hymns dedicated to Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Kirtan (sacred music) and recitations from the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, are an integral part of the observance.

• Community Feasts:

• Langar, a community meal served to all attendees, is an essential feature of the celebrations. This tradition reflects Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teaching on selfless service and the importance of community support.

• Reflection and Learning:

• The Viah Purab also serves as an opportunity for Sikhs to reflect on the life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, reinforcing the values of humility, honesty, and compassion. • Cultural Events: Various cultural programs, including recitations, dramas, and exhibitions, may be organized to highlight the life and legacy of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

The wedding of Guru Nanak Dev Ji is celebrated within the Sikh community as a reminder of his teachings on equality, humility, and the importance of spiritual over material pursuits. The event is commemorated during Gurpurab, a festival honoring the birth of Guru Nanak, where Sikhs around the world engage in acts of charity, prayer, and community service, reflecting the core values he espoused throughout his life.

The Viah Purab is a celebration of much more than a personal milestone; it is a commemoration of the ideals and teachings that Guru Nanak Dev Ji espoused throughout his life. The observance of this special day reflects the enduring impact of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's message and serves as a reminder of the virtues of love, equality, and devotion.