The sacred city of Patna is preparing to host one of the most significant events in the Sikh religious calendar as the 359th Prakash Parv commemorating the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and final Sikh Guru, begins on December 15. This twelve-day spiritual celebration will unfold at the historic Takhat Shri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib Gurdwara, drawing hundreds of thousands of devotees from across India and around the world.
The grand festival will reach its climax with the main ceremony on December 27 and conclude in the early hours of December 28. This annual event holds special significance as Patna Sahib is the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, making it one of the holiest sites for Sikhs worldwide.
Daily Spiritual Processions and Devotional Activities
According to Gurdwara superintendent Jaljeet Singh, the celebrations will commence with the traditional 'Prabhat Pheri' processions running from December 15 to 25. Each morning during this period, between 100 to 150 devotees will participate in devotional processions that begin at 4 AM from the Patna Sahib Gurdwara and return by 8 AM.
These early morning processions will fill the streets with sacred chants of 'Jo Bole So Nihal Satsriakal', creating an atmosphere of deep spiritual reverence. The rhythmic prayers and hymns will awaken the city each morning with divine energy during the festival period.
Grand Finale Celebrations from December 25
The main segment of the Prakash Parv begins on December 25 with the 'Badi Prabhat Pheri', a larger and more elaborate procession featuring musical bands and orchestras. This majestic procession will wind through important city areas including Hajiganj, Maroofganj, Morcha Road, Patna Sahib Station, Chowk Shikarpur, Mangal Talab, and Bhagat Singh Chowk before concluding at the Gurdwara.
The evening of December 25 will host a 'Kavi Darbar' where renowned poets and singers will perform compositions in praise of Guru Gobind Singh. Simultaneously, at midnight, the sacred Akhand Path ritual will commence - a continuous 48-hour recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib that represents one of the most important religious observances during the festival.
December 26: A Day of Religious Fervor
The spiritual momentum continues on December 26 with a Nagar Kirtan at Patna Sahib Gai Ghat as part of the morning Diwan. During the afternoon, devotees will participate in a majestic Shobha Yatra from 2 PM to 8 PM at the Gurdwara premises.
The evening of December 26 will be illuminated by a grand Kirtan Darbar featuring performances by Ragi Jathas who are arriving from various parts of the country to pay musical tribute to the Guru. These devotional musical performances create an enchanting atmosphere that resonates throughout the Gurdwara complex.
Main Ceremony on December 27
The primary day of celebrations on December 27 will feature a morning program of kirtans from 9 AM to 12:30 PM. Dignitaries and chief guests are expected to arrive around noon to participate in the auspicious occasion.
Gurdwara superintendent Jaljeet Singh confirmed that formal invitations have been extended to the Prime Minister of India, the Chief Minister of Bihar, the Governor of Bihar, and other ministers to grace the ceremony with their presence.
Conclusion of Festivities and Community Service
The Prakash Parv celebrations will conclude in the early hours of December 28. The Akhand Path is scheduled to finish around 1:20 AM, followed by the narration of Guru Gobind Singh Ji's 'Janam Katha' (birth story), Aarti, Ardaas (prayer), and the distribution of prashad to the gathered devotees.
Throughout the entire twelve-day festival period, the community kitchen known as Langar will operate continuously, providing breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner to all visiting devotees regardless of their background, caste, or creed. This exemplifies the Sikh principle of selfless service and equality.
The 359th Prakash Parv at Patna Sahib represents not just a religious observance but a cultural phenomenon that brings together people from all walks of life in celebration of the teachings and legacy of Guru Gobind Singh, who established the Khalsa Panth and championed the values of courage, equality, and justice.
