On November 15th, the sacred ritual of Chaliya culminated in the celebration of Guru Purab, marking the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Gurpurab or Guru Nanak Jayanti, is one of the most significant festivals in the Sikh calendar, celebrated with devotion, prayer, and community gatherings. It commemorates the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, emphasizing equality, selflessness, and spiritual enlightenment.

For 40 days leading up to this special occasion, Chaliya—a devotional practice involving collective prayers and hymns—was conducted at Guruji Ka Mandir in Kilmer, Edison, New Jersey. This daily practice took place during Amrit Vela, the sacred early morning hours between 3:45 and 5:15 a.m., known as Brahm Muhurat. The early hours are considered spiritually powerful for connecting with the divine, and the satsang included melodious baani(hymns) sung by Sikh religious singers from India, creating an atmosphere of deep devotion and tranquility.

As someone whose creative work often keeps me awake late into the night—reading, writing, or editing—I find my sleep patterns to be erratic and self-indulgent at times. While I strive to manage them, I often succumb to guilty pleasures that disrupt my schedule. When my close friend Punam invited me to attend the final satsang, I hesitated but eventually promised to join.

The night before, I was working on an interview for ITV Gold, which was set to live-stream on Facebook and YouTube. At 3:20 a.m., I decided to take a quick nap, fully aware that waking up would be a challenge. The internal debate began—should I go, or should I skip? After much struggle, I finally left for the temple, arriving at 4:45 a.m.

To my surprise, the parking lot was full, and the temple was bustling with activity. Inside, I saw people of all ages—children, young adults, couples, and seniors—participating with fervor. My initial thought was amusingly cynical: “These people must be so burdened by life that they can’t sleep!” But as I found a seat in the back and took in the serene yet vibrant atmosphere, my perspective began to shift.

I was served kada prashad (a sweet offering made of wheat, sugar, and ghee), chai prashad (blessed tea), and jal prashad(holy water). Although reluctant to eat at first, I accepted these blessings, realizing that refusing them was not an option. The kada prashad, in particular, was divine—I can still taste its rich sweetness as I write this.

After the satsang, the congregation participated in a Prabhat Pheri, a joyful procession symbolizing the spreading of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message. A framed photograph of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guruji was carried under a decorative golden umbrella, accompanied by live devotional music. The dhol (drums) and manjeera (cymbals) added a festive rhythm to the chilly November morning.

To my own surprise, I found myself dancing alongside others at 5:30 a.m. My inner voice questioned my sanity: “Am I really doing this?” But it was a liberating kind of madness, a joyous connection with something greater. My close friends Punam and Sujata were there too, and together we danced and laughed, united by the infectious energy of the celebration.

The experience was nothing short of transformative. It reinforced the idea that music and dance have the power to elevate the spirit and bring us closer to the divine. While the discipline of observing Amrit Vela every day might seem daunting for now, this celebration has inspired me to consider incorporating it into my life, even if only occasionally.

Final Thoughts

This Guru Purab was more than just a religious observance—it was a reminder of the beauty of community, the power of devotion, and the joy of embracing life’s simplest blessings. It showed me that sometimes stepping out of my comfort zone leads to experiences that uplift and inspire.