Bhai Bala, Bhai Mardana and their part in Guru Nanak Dev's life

Guru Nanak’s Prakash Utsav, also called Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti or Guru Nanak Dev Gurpurab, commemorates the birth of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh guru. The Bala Janam Sakhi a 16th-century biography of Guru Nanak, written by Bhai Bala states that he latter departed Talvandi at Rai Bular’s request to meet the former at his house in Saidpur. The Mahima Prakash, an ancient scripture, contains a rendition that is extremely visual and reads, “Guru Angad one day spoke to Bhai Buddha, ‘Seek the disciples who accompanied the Master, Guru Nanak, on his journeys far and wide, who heard his preaching and reflected on it, and who witnessed the many strange events that occurred; secure from him all the circumstances and have transcribed a volume which may please the hearts of those who should apply themselves to it.’ Bala Sandhu made his appearance.” Another Sikh, Paira Mokha, wrote down the stories that Bhai Bala told in Gurmukhi characters while Guru Angad was present. “Yes, I have already forgotten that I did not go with you,” conveyed Bhai Bala to which the Guru Nanak replied, “Bala, let’s go to the Northern Udasi.” Thus, Bhai Bala and Bhai Mardana both went forward with Guru Nanak, per Bhai Mani Singh Wali Janam Sakhi appended at Dr. Kirpal Singh Janam Sakhi Prampra, Page 364. According to the Puratan Janam Sakhi, Guru Nanak and Bhai Mardana had not gone far from Sultanpur when the latter lamented his hunger and urgent need for food.