Delhi's Dawn Devotion

Prabhat Pheris Light Up Baba Nanak ‘s Birthday

- VIVEK SHUKLA

Wherever there are even five Sikh or two Punjabi families, morning processions, or prabhat pheris, are sure to take place before the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev ji. These processions feature shabad kirtan, with some participants carrying Manjira (cymbals) and Dholkis.

Men, women, children, and the elderly all join in. “Satnam, Satnam Wahe Guru Ji...” These words can be heard early in the morning in national capital. You will see groups of men and women heading to gurdwaras at dawn. This is a sign that Guru Purnima, the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, is approaching.

“The prabhat pheris begin at around 5 a.m., with the congregation start gathering outside gurdwaras as early as 5.30 a.m., reflecting their enthusiasm. As winter approaches, some participants wear shawls or sweaters. These processions typically circle the gurdwara’s neighbourhood,”informs Balbir Singh ‘Vivek Vihar’, who is an active member of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee and Head of the Dashmesh Public School Managing Committee.