Guru Nanak Dev ji, also called Baba Nanak, founded Sikhism and is the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. He was born on April 15 1469, in Nankana Sahib. His father’s name was Mehta Kallu, and his mother was Mata Tripta Ji. He had an elder sister named Bebe Nanaki.
He spent most of his childhood with his elder sister as he was fond of her.
As a child, Nanak astounded many with his intelligence and interest towards divine subjects. In 1475, his sister married Jai Ram and moved to Sultanpur. Nanak wanted to stay with his sister for a few days. There he started working under the employer of his brother–in–law.
He used to go to a nearby river every morning to bathe and meditate. One day, he went to the river as usual but returned after three days. Then he said, “ THERE IS NO HINDU AND NO MUSALMAN”( no koi Hindu na koi Musalman). These words were the beginning of his teachings.
Guru Nanak’s father decided to arrange his marriage to bring Nanak around to worldly affairs. Guru ji was then married to Bibi Sulkhani, daughter of Mool Chand, a resident of Batala in district Gurdaspur. Nanak refused to follow the marriage rituals dictated by the Brahmins of the day. Mool Chand arranged for the Brahmin priests to debate the exact marriage rituals to be followed with the Guru Ji.
At this time, Guru sat beside a crooked mud wall (kachi kandh), discussing the marriage plans with the Brahmin clergy. The wall was damaged and in a poor state, and there had been a recent rain. An older woman, by the bride’s side, was asked to warn Guru Ji about the danger.
Guru Ji smiled and said,” MATA JI EHH KANDH SADEEYA TAK NHI DIGDEE.” (The wall will not fall for centuries). The wall is still preserved within the Gurudwara Shri Kandh Sahib in Batala. The celebration is held here every year on the anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Dev ji.
This year, it is going to be celebrated on September 22 2023. The Baraatis are ready, and so is the town. Batala is all set to host the event to mark the marriage anniversary of Guru Ji.
Nagar kirtan (Religious procession) will start from Gurudwara Ber Sahib, Sultanpur Lodhi. It will reach Gurudwara Kandh Sahib by the evening of September 21. Another Nagar kirtan will begin from Gurudwara Kandh sahib on September 22 and culminate by the evening at the same Gurudwara after passing through Batala town. The marriage rituals will be performed here only. Hundreds of devotees will participate in the religious procession. The holy book GURU GRANTH SAHIB will be placed in a palanquin for the devotees to shower flowers.
The women will traditionally sing marriage songs to welcome the marriage party.
The entire city has been decorated with lights and flowers, and a series of 101 Akhand paths of Guru Granth Sahib have been started across the town. The bhog ceremony of these Akhand paths will be performed on Friday i.e.22 September. The anniversary procession will be started from Gurudwara DERA SAHIB ( where Guru Ji’s marriage party stayed during his marriage), and the marriage procession will terminate at Gurudwara Kandh sahib, where his marriage was solemnized after passing through main bazaars of town.
Babe da Viah is celebrated every year with great pomp and show. Everyone eagerly waits for this day and takes the blessings of god.
By Kirti Aggarwal (TGT English)
