Today is Chet 1, the first day of the new Nanakshahi calendar year 557.

Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI) extends warm wishes to the Sikh sangat on the commencement of Nanakshahi year 557 and the Gurgaddi Divas (Coronation Day) of Guru Harirai Sahib—a champion of environmental preservation and indigenous medicine.

The Nanakshahi calendar, named after Guru Nanak Sahib, the founder of Sikhi, traces its origins back to 1469 CE (Nanakshahi 1), marking Guru Nanak Sahib’s arrival in the world. It serves as both a historical timeline and a testament to the deep-rooted Sikh legacy, emphasizing the doctrine of "Miri-Piri"—the synthesis of spiritual and temporal authority.

With the start of every new year comes excitement, anticipation, and celebration. The mind constantly seeks ways to remain in a state of festivity and joy, yet as the days pass and routine returns, that initial excitement may fade.

So, how do we keep the spirit of celebration alive, irrespective of external conditions?

The Guru guides us:

The blossoming month of Chet is blissful. The hovering bumblebees are looking beautiful.
The trees have blossomed in the open fields. Witnessing the blossoming of nature in spring, the separated seeker longs for IkOankar to return to their home-heart, so their heart may blossom too.
If IkOankar does not enter the seeker’s heart, how can they find comfort? Entangled in the pain of separation, the seeker’s body withers away.
The Indian cuckoo singing sweet songs on the mango tree looks beautiful, yet how can the pain in the heart of the separated seeker be endured? Even sweet songs feel agonizing.
The bumblebee hovers around the blossomed branches, but I have withered. How can I live in separation from IkOankar? O mother! This separation is like death to me.
At the end of the stanza, by using the signature ‘Nanak,’ Guru Nanak teaches through the month of Chet that a seeker can find comfort through the state of inner-wisdom if the seeker experiences IkOankar in the heart.5.

     Guru Granth Sahib 1108

Today, as we celebrate the Coronation Day of Guru Harirai Sahib, a luminary in environmental preservation, let us embody the effortless unity of a devotee with nature, guided by the principle of the One Creator-creation. Drawing inspiration from Guru Harirai Sahib's love for IkOankar (the One, the Divine) and nature, let us strive to lead reflective lives that harmonize with the One’s essence pervading all creation.

As we commence year 557, may our lives be centered in the love of IkOankar, guided by the Wisdom-Guru. May we flourish, bask in the love of IkOankar, and be embraced by the Guru's Sabad.