Wherever there are even a handful of Sikh or Punjabi families, prabhat pheris — early morning devotional processions — begin days before the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. These processions, filled with shabad kirtan (devotional hymns), echo through the streets as participants chant “Satnam, Satnam, Wahe Guru Ji,” creating a spiritual ambience at dawn. In Delhi, this has become a familiar sight as Guru Nanak Jayanti approaches.
Men, women, children, and elders walk together, carrying manjiras (cymbals) and dholkis, heading towards their local gurdwaras in an expression of devotion and unity.”The prabhat pheris begin around 5 am, and people start gathering outside gurdwaras by 5:30,” says Balbir Singh of Vivek Vihar, a member of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee. “As winter sets in, devotees wrap themselves in shawls, yet their enthusiasm remains undimmed.”
The processions usually move through nearby lanes before returning to the gurdwara, spreading spiritual joy across the neighbourhood.Originally a village tradition from Punjab, prabhat pheris have evolved over the years. In Delhi, the custom of serving hearty breakfasts after these early morning gatherings — featuring chole-kulche, mathri, jalebi, tea, and coffee — has added a distinct flavour to the ritual. Jitender Singh Sahni, a regular participant since childhood, shares, “Prabhat pheris are organised only for the birth anniversaries of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Gobind Singh Ji. They help prepare for the sacred day and strengthen community bonds.”Participation varies across the capital. In areas like Mayur Vihar or Gole Market, 30 to 40 devotees join, while in Vivek Vihar, Rajouri Garden, and Greater Kailash, the numbers rise to nearly 300. In Kalkaji, one of the city’s major Sikh hubs, the gatherings are even larger. The Pahariwala Gurudwara in Greater Kailash has also become a preferred venue for bhog ceremonies, thanks to its modern facilities. One of Delhi’s oldest prabhat pheris begins from Shri Gurdwara Singh Sabha in Chuna Mandi, Paharganj. At dawn, around 50 devotees carrying drums and cymbals chant hymns like “Kal Taran Guru Nanak Aaya” as they move through the narrow lanes of Shora Kothi and Laddoo Ghati. According to Delhi’s elder Sikhs, this tradition dates back to 1943 — perhaps the first prabhat pheri in the capital. In earlier times, nearly 500 people, including children, took part. However, participation in Paharganj has declined over the years. “Many Sikh and Punjabi Hindu families have moved away due to increasing commercialisation,” explains banker Kulbir Singh Sahni, a long-time resident. “Yet, the emotional bond remains, and families return to Chuna Mandi’s gurdwara on Guru Nanak Jayanti. “Baba Nanak belongs to everyone,” says Balbir Singh. In the pre-dawn hours, devotees from across Delhi walk towards Sis Ganj, Bangla Sahib, and Nanak Piao Gurdwaras, singing hymns with radiant faces.
Balbir Singh reminds us, “When Baba Nanak visited Delhi in 1505, he stayed where Gurudwara Nanak Piao stands today. It’s said he turned the area’s saline water sweet — a miracle remembered to this day.” Even now, devotees walk across Delhi at dawn, their hymns carrying forward a centuries-old tradition of faith and unity.
The writer is a senior journalist
