The Punjab government, in a significant move, declared April 8th as a gazette holiday to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Nabha Das, a revered saint of the 16th century. This decision, announced on Friday, will see the closure of schools, colleges, and other educational institutions across the state, along with all government offices.

The significance of this holiday stems from its recent transition from a restricted holiday to a gazette one. Two years ago, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government in Punjab elevated April 8th from the restricted holiday list to the esteemed status of a gazette holiday. This move was aimed at honoring the legacy and contributions of Guru Nabha Das.

But who exactly was Guru Nabha Das? Born as Narayan Das on April 8, 1537, in the village of Bhadrachalam along the Godavari River in present-day Telangana, Guru Nabha Das belonged to the Mahasha community. This community, also known as the Doom or Dumna community, is a Scheduled Caste group known for their expertise in bamboo crafts, particularly in crafting baskets and grain storage containers.

Guru Nabha Das’s early life was marked by adversity, as he was orphaned at the age of five. However, he was taken under the wing of revered saints Agar Dass and Keel Dass, who brought him to the Ghalta Dham temple near Rajasthan’s Jaipur. It was here that Nabha Das’s journey of spiritual enlightenment began.

Renowned for his profound knowledge and wisdom, Guru Nabha Das embarked on a monumental task—chronicling the lives of over 200 saints. His magnum opus, the Bhaktamal, written in 1585, stands as a testament to his dedication and scholarship. In this sacred scripture, he meticulously documented the life stories of saints spanning from the Satya Yuga to the Kali Yuga, providing invaluable insights into India’s spiritual heritage.

In Punjab, the Mahasha community holds significant presence, with approximately 30 lakh individuals belonging to this community. Pathankot alone is home to around one lakh Mahasha residents, boasting 41 temples, including 25 within the city. Their influence extends to approximately 421 villages in the region, with sizable communities also found in Gurdaspur and Amritsar.

The elevation of Guru Nabha Das’s birth anniversary to a gazette holiday not only honors the legacy of this revered saint but also celebrates the rich cultural heritage and contributions of the Mahasha community to Punjab’s tapestry of diversity and spirituality.