Pehla Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji: the first installation in 1604

The Pehla Prakash Purab remembers the day in 1604 when the Adi Granth, the scripture that became Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, was installed for the first time in Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar. It is one of the most joyful days at Sri Harmandir Sahib, which is lit and decorated for the occasion.

How the Adi Granth was compiled

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji gathered the bani of the first four Gurus, much of it kept in pothis held by the families of earlier Gurus, and added his own. He also included the compositions of Bhagats and saints from many castes, regions and faiths, among them Bhagat Kabir Ji, Bhagat Ravidas Ji, Bhagat Namdev Ji and Sheikh Farid Ji, so that the scripture spoke for all of humanity rather than one community. The work was done beside the pool at Ramsar in Amritsar, with Bhai Gurdas Ji as the scribe, and it was arranged by raag, the musical measures in which the bani is sung.

The first Prakash

When the Granth was complete it was carried in procession to Sri Harmandir Sahib. Tradition remembers that Baba Budha Ji carried it on his head while the Guru walked behind with a chaur, and that Baba Budha Ji was appointed the first granthi. The Guru gave the scripture the place of honour and sat below it. A century later, in 1708, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji conferred the Guruship on it, completed with the bani of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.

How the day is observed

Sangats hold Akhand Paath, kirtan and Nagar Kirtan, and Sri Harmandir Sahib is illuminated. Many gurdwaras hold katha about the compiling of the Granth, and it is a fitting day to begin a Sahaj Paath at home.