Fairs and Feativals in Amritsar

Family Related Ceremonies

Nam Karan Ceremony (Naming of a Child)

After a few days of the birth of the child, child and the mother are taken to Gurudwara to seek blessings and for (Naam Karan) naming ceremony of the child. Karah Prashad is prepared and distributed by the family. The mother and the infant are given Amrit. From the first letter of the Hukamnaama (Lord's message) the child's name is chosen.

Funeral Ceremony

In Sikhism, display of grief over death is discouraged. After the death, the body is bathed and clothed by family members. Before taking the body to the cremation grounds, it is taken to the Gurudwara, to pay the last homage but it is not taken inside the premises. During the cremation process Kirtan Sohila is recited followed by Ardas. The ashes are disposed of in the river For Ten days Guru Granth Sahib is read at home or in the Gurudwara.

Other ceremonies

Amrit Sanskar, Baptism, Amrit Chakna

To become a Khalsa Sikh, one participates in the sacred ceremony. After becoming Khalsa Sikh one has to recite the hymns of Japji, Jaap, Ten Sawayyas, Bainti Chaupai and 6 verses from Anand Sahib.

Akhand Path

Akhand Path is performed on all occasions be it joyous or sad. It is a non-stop reading of the Holy Book Guru Granth Sahib. At the conclusion (Bhog), Karah Parsad is offered.

Gurupurbs

The birth and deaths of Gurus are celebrated as Gurupurbs. First installation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in the Golden Temple by Guru Arjan Dev, Birth of Guru Nanak (traditionally celebrated in November), Birth of Guru Gobind Singh, Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur and Martyrdom of The Sahibzadas (the sons of Guru Gobind Singh) are celebrated with great zeal in Golden Temple.

Baisakhi

On Baisakhi Day, Guru Gobind Guru gathered thousands of people at Anandpur Sahib to found the Khalsa order by baptizing 5 brave Sikhs who were willing to give their life for the Guru. This day is celebrated as birthday of Khalsa.

Sangrand

It marks the beginning of a new month. At the Gurudwara, portions of Bara Maha, Song of the 12 Months are read.

Maghi

In the memory of the martyrdom of the Forty Immortals, Maghi is celebrated. Guru Gobind Singh Ji blessed them salvation and cremated them at Muktsar.

Hola Mohalla

Hola Mohalla falls on the Holi Festival of the Hindus. Military exercises swordsmanship and horse riding like are displayed by Nihang Singhs. Various competitions of Poetry and Music are held to celebrate this day.

Ram Tirath Fair

Ram Tirath Fair is celebrated at Ram Tirath, located at a distance of 11 kilometers to the west of Amritsar. The fair is celebrated about a fortnight after Diwali. Pilgrims visit the Temple to plunge in the sacred tank of the Temple in the early hours of the Puranmashi (full moon night). After the plunge the pilgrims take a circumambulation of the tank along with incantations. Women light lamps of pure ghee (deshi ghee) or mustard oil (sarson ka tel) made from kneaded flour and put them in tank by placing them on leaf plates. It is believed that this ceremony absolves one's sins and is known as tulla toarna (meaning floating of tullas). Throughout the ceremony devotional songs and hymns are recited.

Diwali

Diwali is celebrated with great pomp and show at the Golden Temple. It is celebrated even after three days of Diwali. It is believed that during the reign of Jahangir, after his release from Gwalior fort Guru Ram Das reached Amritsar on Diwali. People greeted him by illuminating lamps.

Basant Panchami at Chheharta Sahib is celebrated on the fifth day of the bright half of the month of Magh or Maghi (end of January or beginning of February). The celebrations commence early in the morning and end the next day afternoon. Whole night kirtan darbar (chanting of hymns, poems belonging to Sikh literature) is held. On the eve of Basant Panchami kites are flown and kite-flying competitions are held.

Gurupurbs

Gurupurbs are celebrated throughout the world. These are celebrated on the occasion of the birthdays and martyrdoms of Gurus. In Amritsar, Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Ram Das Ji and Guru Gobind Singh Sahib are celebrated with great religious fervor and devotion.