Guru Nanak Jayanti

नानकः सत्यमार्गस्य दाता करुणया युतः।

समत्वभावसम्पन्नो गुरुः सर्वहिते रतः॥

Translation: "Guru Nanak, the giver of the path of truth and filled with compassion, embodies equality and is devoted to the welfare of all."

Sarwa Ishworbad and Guru Nanak

Sri Guru Nanak Devji gave the world the message of Sarva Dharma, which gave birth to all the values ​​and truths that are essential to human progress and well-being. Shri Guru Nanak Devji was a revolutionary visionary, a great philosopher, thinker and a revolutionary social reformer. His philosophy was a humanist philosophy whose influence would remain in the world for many centuries to come.

Sikhism and Guru Nanak

Sikhism is guided by the principles of ten holy gurus and Guru Nanak is the first of those and the founder of the entire Sikhism. Celebrated with utmost reverence, today is the most sacred festival for Sikhs across the globe. This day is known as Guru Parva among the Sikh community.

Guru Nanak was not just a founder of Sikhism but a social reformer and philosopher, who has given a new edge to entire humanity and social structures. Born in 1469, his birthplace Nakhana Sahib is currently in Pakistan, every Sikh wishes to visit this place at least once in their lifetime.

Amrit Bhela

The day begins with the morning procession of devotees at the Gurudwara, the holy place of daily worship of the Sikhs, and the glory of the Guru is described by chanting various mantras and chanting hymns. The hymn performed in the morning is called 'Asa Di Bhar'.

Such gatherings are called 'Amrit Bhela' and after 'Amrit Bhela' it is customary to have 'Laganaru' meaning a free community meal and such feasts are organized by the volunteers of the Gurdwara. By organizing such parties, people of any caste, colour, gender, or community are free to participate in them.

Especially after studying the holy book 'Guru Granth Sahib' for 48 hours two days in advance, the day of Guru Parva is concluded according to the rules and regulations. Such a continuous religious study is called 'Akhandpathu.

Nimbarkacharya jayanti

Today is also the birth anniversary of Guru Nimbarkacharya. Many of us may not have heard of Guru Nimbarkacharya. Let us take a moment today to talk briefly about him.

About Guru Nimbarkacharya

It is believed that Guru Nimbarkacharya was born in the Indian region on the banks of the Godavari River, in a city called Vaiduryapattan. Some believe that his birth occurred during the Dwapara Yuga, while others say it was in the 11th century CE.

The reason behind his name is associated with the neem tree and the sun. “Nimb” refers to the neem tree, and “Arka” refers to the sun. Hence, the name Nimbarka is said to have originated from this association.

Although he was born on the banks of the Godavari, it is believed that Guru Nimbarkacharya undertook his spiritual practice on the banks of the Yamuna. One day, while Guru Nimbarkacharya was sitting in his ashram, it is believed that a wandering monk (Dandi Swami) arrived there. By then, the evening had already set in.

Since the Dandi Swami stated that he would not eat at that time, Guru Nimbarkacharya, not wanting to send his guest away hungry, is believed to have manifested the Sun God in the neem tree in his courtyard. Upon seeing the Sun, the Dandi Swami is believed to have eaten his meal. This incident is still celebrated and remembered. It is said that this event is how Guru Nimbarkacharya got his name.

Guru Nimbarkacharya is also regarded as an incarnation of the Sun. Some even consider him a part of Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshana Chakra. It is believed that he was born on the full moon day of the Kartik month, which is why his birth anniversary is observed with special attention, importance, and reverence.

Sakimana Punhi

Every year on Kartik Shukla Purnima (known in Nepal Sambat as Kachalathwa Punhi), the Newar community of the Kathmandu Valley celebrates Sakimana Punhi also called Sakimila or Halimali Punhi. It marks one of the first and most meaningful festivals of the Nepal Sambat calendar.

In Nepalbhasa, “Saki” means yam and “Mana” means to boil hence, Sakimana Punhi literally means “Full Moon of Boiled Yams.” On this day, Newars boil or roast yams, sweet potatoes, maize, soybeans, and other grains, offering them first to their deities before sharing with family. This simple act reflects deep respect toward nature offering before consuming.

The festival symbolizes gratitude to Mother Earth for her harvest. It is believed that these seasonal roots and grains provide strength and vitality, aligning with both spiritual and scientific reasoning.

A major highlight of the day is “Halimali Byegu”the creation of artistic patterns using roasted grains, depicting temples, deities, and symbols. This creative ritual expresses the harmony between agriculture, art, and community spirit. Traditional Dapha music and chants bring people together, reconnecting them with their ancestors, deities, and nature.

More than a religious event, Sakimana Punhi is a cultural classroom. In a time dominated by fast food and plastic culture, this festival reminds us to return to nature, to see divinity in food, and beauty in labor.

It stands as a celebration not just for Newars but for all Nepalis a festival of creativity, cooperation, and gratitude that fills life with fullness Sakimana Punhi.

Poornima Vrata

The last day of Shukla Paksha is the full moon day. On this tithi, the moon is the brightest and magnificent. It is believed that fasting on this day brings immense lunar grace to health, prosperity, and peace. On the full moon day, Lord Shiva and Vishnu are especially worshiped. Special worship to Lord Vishnu is done in the form of Satya Narayan Puja. Satya Narayan Puja is usually performed whenever possible, although the fruits of this puja performed on the day of the full moon are very abundant.

From a scientific point of view, it is said that gravity will have a great effect on the earth on the day of the full moon and self-purification will be done by fasting on this day and remembering the name of God. By fasting on this day, the metabolic process will be strengthened, gastric problems will be solved and positive energy will increase in the body.

This day is fasted from sunrise in the morning to moonrise in the evening. Some people observe this fast without drinking water, while others observe this fast by eating only one meal and eating no salt (alino) food. In the evening, after the moonrise, the fast ends with the sighting of the moon. Happy Jestha Shukla Purnima to everyone this year.

Let there be an end to the flood and landslide, let there be the protection of both religion and the followers of religion.

Chaturmas Vrata Samapti/ Kartik Snan Samapti

What is Chaturmas?

Chaturmas is a sacred four-month period in Hindu tradition, observed from the eleventh day (Ekadashi) of the Hindu month of Ashadha (around June-July) to the eleventh day of Kartika (around October-November). This period is known as the "Chaturmas," which literally means "four months." It marks the time when Lord Vishnu is believed to enter a state of yoga-nidra (divine sleep), and during these months, various religious activities, rituals, and austerities are observed.

Chaturmas is considered highly auspicious for spiritual growth, self-discipline, and penance. Devotees undertake fasts, avoid certain foods, and often engage in pilgrimage, charity, and other spiritual practices. It is also a time when monks, sages, and sadhus typically reside in one place, giving teachings and discourses, rather than traveling as they usually do. Due to the sacred nature of this period, marriages and other auspicious ceremonies are generally postponed. Chaturmas serves as an opportunity for devotees to cleanse themselves spiritually, practice self-control, and deepen their devotion.

Chaturmas ends on the full moon day of Kartik Shukla Paksha. Auspicious rituals (Marriage/ Brabandha and specific pujas) are not performed during the four months of Chaturmas as there is a belief that doing good deeds in Chatrasmas will not bring any success. Since Lord Vishnu is sleeping in the Ksheer Sagar during this period, auspicious deeds were stopped for 4 months. Today, such rituals can be started.

After this full moon, Mangsir month starts, and now the Sahits of marriage are being counted and planned in full swing. Kartik is considered to be the beloved month of Lord Vishnu. If it had been like other years, there would have been a big fair on this day in all four Narayan temples around Kathmandu and all the Narayan temples across Nepal.

Marriages, Bratabandhas, and big worships, which have been stopped due to the Chaturmas, may now go well with adequate blessings and fortunes.

The Kartik Snan has also come to an end today along with the Chaturmas. The holy Kartik Snan, which started with the conclusion of Dashain, has ended today. On the day of Ashwin Shukla Purnima, by worshiping Mahalakshmi and staying awake at night, the big Dashain was formally concluded and today the Kartik bath is also over.

The winter has started, the temperature is dropping, and these dewdrops have started to wet the earth in the morning. Since the fear of corona infection can become more active with the cold, we should all stay alert and stay safe. Please look at Hamro Patro for festivals and ceremonies.