The 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, founder of Sikhism, was commemorated at a devotional event on November 9 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). Themed ‘Oneness: A Light for Humanity’, it drew a diverse audience, united by the Sikh tenets of equality, unity, and love.
Organized by the nonprofit Let’s Share a Meal, which has served free meals to homeless shelters, elderly homes, and soup kitchens since 2012, the celebration highlighted the spirit of Langar, the community kitchen tradition started by Guru Nanak.
Prominent figures from the US and India gathered in support, but the evening belonged to musical tributes paid to Guru Nanak.
A Feast for the Senses
The audience was treated to a mesmerizing program of sacred music and devotional performances. The opening act was a big group of young instrumentalists in white capturing hearts with their harmonious tunes. After them, Bhai Satvinder Singh and Bhai Harvinder Singh rendered traditional hymns. During their segment, Vilas Nayak speed-painted an expressive depiction of Guru Nanak’s teachings for householders live on stage.
Kanwar Grewal, who endears with his faqir persona, gave a spirited performance that animated the audience. His passionate rendition of Takdi Nanak di (Nanak’s scale) inspired you to devote yourself to Nanak and meditate on God’s name.
Hargun Kaur chose the lesser known Patti Likhi (literally meaning writing on a slate), a Nanak composition with lyrics where each of the 35 stanzas begins with a Gurmukhi alphabet. Simran Kaur Aden accompanied her on stage showing her calligraphy skills.
Star singer Harshdeep Kaur was the final act. She opened with the Mool Mantra and closed with “Nanak Aaya’, which she had composed with appearances by many of India’s leading singers. She shared that she started her career singing Gurbani as a child.
Star singer Harshdeep Kaur mesmerized the audience, opening with the Mool Mantra and closing with her soulful composition ‘Nanak Aaya,’ a tribute to her Gurbani roots.
Honoring Humanity and Service
Padma Bhushan awardee and Indian-American hotelier Sant Singh Chatwal, Giani Ranjit Singh (Head Granthi of Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in New Delhi), and Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna were among the luminaries who graced the dais. Chatwal presented the Oneness Appreciation Award to Khanna, recognizing his service and dedication to the Sikh community. The evening celebrated Onkar Singh, event host, Trustee, and Chair of the Oneness event, for his efforts in promoting Guru Nanak’s ideals of universal brotherhood and charity.
“This event has become a success with the support of the entire community,” said Onkar Singh, echoing Guru Nanak’s call to vand chhakna (to share what one has with others).
An Enduring Legacy
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings, preserved in the Guru Granth Sahib, transcend religions and cultures, advocating for peace and unity across the world. With nearly 27 million followers globally, the Sikh community celebrates these teachings through events like Oneness, reinforcing Guru Nanak’s vision of a compassionate world.
Let’s Share a Meal marked its second Oneness event with a powerful impact, raising approximately $750,000 to support its ongoing efforts to feed the needy. Since 2012, the organization has reached over 100,000 people and continues its monthly food drives and community service initiatives.
Photos courtesy Mohammed Jaffer/SnapsIndia
