Celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti with the rich and comforting flavors of traditional Punjabi dishes that bring people together.
Guru Nanak Jayanti honors the birth of Guru Nanak, the revered first Sikh Guru and founder of Sikhism. This sacred day brings the gentle wake-up of Shabads and the harmonious tunes of ethnic instruments played in Prabhat Pheris, the early morning processions. The celebrations flow into bustling community kitchens, or langars, where volunteers serve free meals to all, embodying the spirit of equality and unity that Guru Nanak championed. Alongside spiritual observances, Gurpurab is marked by the preparation of traditional Punjabi dishes, rich in flavor and heritage. Let’s explore some of these traditional dishes that complete the celebration.
At the heart of the sweets offered on Guru Nanak Jayanti is Kadha Prasad—a warm, rich halwa made from whole wheat flour, sugar, ghee, and water. Revered as a sacred offering, this prasad is prepared with devotion and served directly into the hands of the sangat, symbolizing humility and gratitude. The golden, buttery sweetness of Kadha Prasad is more than just a treat; it’s a tradition deeply tied to Sikh communal gatherings. It is said that no langar is complete without this prasad.
To make meethe chawal, rinse basmati rice and soak it for around 30 minutes. Boil the rice with saffron strands until fluffy, then drain. In a pan, heat ghee, cloves, and crushed green cardamoms. Stir in sugar and water until dissolved. Add the cooked rice, a handful of chopped nuts (almonds, cashews), and raisins. Mix gently and cook until flavors meld. Serve warm.
Langar ki Dal, or Kaali Dal, is a beloved Punjabi dish often prepared on Guru Nanak Jayanti. This comforting dish combines split black urad dal and chana dal, soaked overnight and then slow-cooked with fragrant whole spices to achieve a rich, creamy texture. The slow cooking time lets the lentils soak up the spices’ flavors, creating a deeply aromatic experience. Kaali Dal is simple to prepare but irresistibly delicious, traditionally enjoyed with steamed rice, roti, or naan, and often finished with a dollop of butter or ghee for added richness.
Saag and Makki ki Roti is a cherished Punjabi dish, perfect for Guru Nanak Jayanti. For the saag, simmer chopped mustard greens, spinach, and bathua with ginger, and green chilies. Mash, then sauté with onions, tomatoes, and spices. For makki ki roti, knead cornmeal with water, form flatbreads, and cook on a hot tawa with ghee. Serve the roti hot with saag and a dollop of butter. This wholesome, nourishing combination is deeply embedded in Punjabi culture and cherished as a winter delicacy. It’s a favorite choice for festive celebrations.
This flavorful dish takes center stage in Gurpurab celebrations, serving as a tribute to Guru Nanak Dev Ji. For Chana Dal Khichdi, soak chana dal and rice for around 30 minutes. In ghee, sauté cumin seeds, a pinch of asafoetida, ginger, and green chilies. Add soaked dal and rice, season with turmeric, salt, and water. Cover and cook until soft. Garnish with fresh coriander and a dollop of ghee. This simple, comforting dish is perfect for Guru Nanak Jayanti offerings.
