Should a Sikh Celebrate his Birthday?

If a child celebrates his birthday, he can be forgiven; If a youngster celebrates his birthday, he is foolish; If an aged person celebrates his birthday, it is questionable whether he posseses a brain or not. – Sant Singh Maskeen

Let’s discuss the concept of birthdays with respect to Sikhism and taking various lectures of Sant Singh Makeen into account for the same. “Pehlan Maran Kabool, Jeevan Ki Chhad Aas” – Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The first thing to accept in life is death. According to Maskeen Ji, while referring to Guru Granth Sahib, accepting that you are not guaranteed to live the next moment is the first step to God. Maskeen Ji say that a person walks on the path of God not because he knows about God but because he knows about Death. Walking the path with the knowledge of God is not even possible because you get the knowledge of God only after you have found him and you find him with the knowledge of Death. Celebration of a birthday is contradictory to the teachings of our Gurus.

More references from Guru Granth Sahib on death and how it is the way to remember and reach God:

From Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji:

Kaal Beyal Jio Par O Dole, Mukh Pasare Meet,
Aaj Kaal Funn Tohe Garas Hai, Samajh Raakho Cheet.

The Snake of death with its mouth open is revolving around our body, remember that it can bite you anytime.

From Bhagat Kabeer:

Hansaa Sarvar Kaal Sareer,
Raam Rasaain Pee-o Ray Kabir.

Like a swan on the lake, death is hovering over the body; drink in the Lord’s sweet elixir, Kabir.

So, what should a Sikh do on his birthdays? All you should do is Thank God for this life and remember that you are now closer to death than ever. Time is running out, start meditating on God’s name.