‘Prabhat Pheri’ is a tradition that spends back centuries and literally means ‘early morning rounds’. People in from the villages in India would get up early in the morning, much before the sunrise, and take rounds of the village chanting and singing ‘bhajans’ and whilst playing instruments such as a 'dholak' (double-sided drum) and 'shaainey' (percussion instruments). It is believed that this helps invoke positive spirits, and bring in the morning and day ahead with good vibrations. This once lost tradition is coming back to Gurdwaras outside of India now as well.
The Sikh Gurdwara San Jose organizes Prabhat Pheris once or twice a year, normally around auspicious events such as Vaisakhi or Gurpurabs that take place around April and November every year respectively.
Want to attend?
Everyone is invited to attend Prabhat Pheris. We begin early in the morning outside near the Nishaan Sahib (tall flag) at the front of the Gurdwara and then proceed to go around the Gurdwara in a clockwise direction around 2-3 times before finishing. Here are some tips for those wishing to attend:-
- Wrap up warm! It will be cold especially in fall/winter months due to the early start.
- Arrive on time. The event will normally start around 4.30am sharp and finish on time at 5.30am unless otherwise stated in posters.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Some sangat may choose to go barefoot and that is up to them but as it's an hour of walking, wear some comfortable shoes.
- Cover your head at all times. All sangat should cover their heads as you will be on Gurdwara grounds singing Gurbani on the way.
- Have some chai. Head over to the Langar Hall afterwards where devoted Sevadars (volunteers) will have tea ready for you.
- Get involved. Feel free to help with playing of instruments and singing along with Sangat during the pheris.
The next Prabhat Pheris will take place from Oct. 30 until Nov. 8, 2022. Please see poster below for more information.
