Guru Nanak's Birthday

In November each year, Sikhs across the world celebrate the birthday of their founder, Guru Nanak. Guru Nanak was born in 1469 in what is now Pakistan. His father encouraged him to become a businessman but at the age of 30 he mysteriously disappeared for three days. When he reappeared, he began to preach the Sikh faith and spent the rest of his life teaching, writing and travelling around the world to discuss religion with Muslims and Hindus. He preached that Sikhs should look after poor and needy people, and he gave money and food to them himself. Guru Nanak died in 1539.

On the day before the birthday, processions are held in India and in some parts of England. These are led by five people representing the original Panj Piare (Five Beloved Ones) that were the first to be baptised as Khasla Sikhs, and are followed by singers, musicians and even teams of people demonstrating martial arts. The Gurdwaras (places where Sikhs go to pray) are decorated with flowers, flags and posters depicting various aspects of Sikhism. On the day, Sikhs join together to sing, pray and eat, and the celebrations may also include fireworks.

Celebrations at Mount Pleasant

In Mount Pleasant Guru Nanak's Birthday has been celebrated for over 20 years every year in November, though not always on the day of the actual celebrations. The committee collects money from all Sikhs in the weeks preceding this and this is used for buying food for everyone. Members of the Sikh Association do prayer throughout the day and serve food to all staff at Mount Pleasant in two sittings to cover both shifts.

The food is vegetarian and consists of samosas, chick peas, a sweet carrot dish, soft drinks and tea. The Sikh Association decorate the room where the food is served with signs and posters. Music is played too.

Around 800 people normally attend the celebrations at Mount Pleasant, from all religions and cultures.