Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev (1469-1538)
November 21

Founder of the Sikh religion, who taught devotion and service, religious tolerance --“there is only one Creator” – and equality for all people. This three-day observance includes a musical procession, prayers, and a festive meal.

Born to Hindu parents in the western Punjab region, now located in Pakistan, Guru Nanak had a profound religious experience at age 30. Going to the River Bain to bathe, he seemed to disappear, and his family and friends believed he drowned. He later expressed eloquently the revelation he received:

"There is but One God, His name is Truth, He is the Creator, He fears none, He is without hate, He never dies, He is beyond the cycle of births and death, He is self-illuminated, He is realized by the kindness of the True Guru. He was True in the beginning, He was True when the ages commenced and has ever been True, He is also True now."

When Guru Nanak reappeared three days later in the same spot, his face shone with holy light. He gave up his job, dispersed his belongings amongst the poor, and took up travelling and teaching meditation, the unity of Islam and Hinduism, freedom from ascetic practices, and the inclusion of people regardless of gender or caste.

To see photos of the exquisite Sikh temple in Amritsar, India, visit this Sacred Sites page.

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