Punjab temple festivals are mainly held in the Golden temple, in accordance with the doctrines and prejudices of the saint Guru Nanak. However, most of the Punjab temple festivals are family related ceremonies.
Nam Karan Ceremony - Nam Karan Ceremony is a festival in Punjab, where the child and the mother are taken to Gurudwara to seek blessings and for naming ceremony of the child. Karah Prashad is prepared and distributed by the family. The mother and the infant are given the pious Amrit. From the first letter of the Hukamnaama or Lord`s message the child`s name is chosen.
Funeral Ceremony - Funeral Ceremony in Sikhism, display of grief over death is discouraged. However, although this cannot be regarded as a festival, the funeral ceremony includes many religious aspects. After the death, the corpse 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 of the Gurudwara. During the cremation process, Kirtan Sohila is narrated followed by Ardas. The ashes are disposed of in the river for ten days and Guru Granth Sahib is read at home or in the Gurudwara.
Amrit Sanskar - Amrit Sanskar or Amrit Chakna is the essential Punjab temple festival, to become a Khalsa Sikh. After the person participates in the sacred ceremony, he has to recite the hymns of Japji, Jaap, Ten Sawayyas, Bainti Chaupai and 6 verses from Anand Sahib throughout his life.
Akhand Path - Akhand Path is one of the most important Punjab temple festivals that 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 of this temple ceremony in Punjab, (Bhog) or Karah Parsad is offered to the devotees.
Gurupurbs - Gurupurbs are important Punjab temple festivals, held at the births and deaths of Gurus. The first Gurupurb is held at the installation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in the Golden temple by Guru Arjan Dev, then birth of Guru Nanak (traditionally celebrated in November), followed by birth of Guru Gobind Singh, then martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur and martyrdom of The Sahibzadas (the sons of Guru Gobind Singh).
Baisakhi - Baisakhi is an important festival in Punjab, held on the Baisakhi Day. The origin says that Guru Gobind 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, thus this day is celebrated as birthday of Khalsa.
Sangrand - Sangrand is one of the essential Punjab temple festivals that mark the beginning of a new month. At the Gurudwara, portions of Bara Maha, Song of the 12 months are sung.
Maghi Festival - Maghi festival is celebrated in the memory of the martyrdom of the Forty Immortals and Guru Gobind Singh Ji who blessed them salvation and cremated them at Muktsar.
Hola Mohalla - Hola Mohalla is celebrated on the Holi festival of the Hindus. Military exercises like swordsmanship and horse riding are displayed by Nihang Singhs. Various competitions of poetry and music are held to celebrate this day.
Thus, all the Punjab temple festivals are celebrated with great zeal in Golden temple. The Punjab temple festivals are accompanied with their traditional form of songs and dances and majestic merrymaking.
