Guru Nanak Jayanti and its Significance

Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab, also known as Guru Nanak’s Prakash Utsav and Guru Nanak Dev Ji Jayanti, celebrates the birth of the first Sikh guru, Guru Nanak. One of the most celebrated Sikh gurus and the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev is highly respected and worshipped by the Sikh community.  This is one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism or Sikhi.

The festivities in the Sikh religion revolve around the anniversaries of the 10 Sikh Gurus. These Gurus were responsible for shaping the beliefs of the Sikhs. Their birthdays, known as Gurpurab, are occasions for celebration and prayer among the Sikhs. in 2023, Gurupurab will be marked on November 29, 2023. Every year, Guru Nanak Jayanti coincides with Kartik Purnima, as per the Hindu calendar.

Significance Of Guru Nanak Jayanti

Guru Nanak Dev – one of the ten Sikh Gurus – was born in 1469 in Nankana Sahib. He was the founder of Sikhism (Sikh religion).  The primary teaching of the Guru is – belief in one God (Ek Onkar) and submission to God’s will (Waheguru). All the teachings and principles of Guru Nanak Dev are found in Guru Granth Sahib – the holy book of Sikhism.

The celebration begins two days before the birthday, with Gurdwaras organizing Akhand Path – a 48-hours non-stop reading of Guru Granth Sahib. On the day of Gurupurab, celebrations commence with Prabhat Pheri (procession) early in the morning (Amrit Vela). This is then followed by Katha, kirtan, and langar. People organize free communal lunches (langar) for everyone, across cast, creed, and religion.

History of Guru Nanak Jayanti

The festival is celebrated on the day of Kartik Poornima, which is the fifteenth lunar day in the month of Kartik as per the Hindu calendar, and usually falls sometime in October or November as per the Gregorian calendar. Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrations are generally similar for all Sikhs — only the hymns are different. The celebrations usually commence with Prabhat Pheris. Prabhat Pheris are early morning processions that begin at the Gurudwaras and proceed around the localities singing hymns. Generally, two days before the birthday, Akhand Path (a forty-eight-hour non-stop reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs) is held in the ‘Gurdwaras.’

The day before the birthday, a procession referred to as Nagarkirtan, is organized. This procession is led by the Panj Pyaras (Five Beloved Ones). They head the procession carrying the Sikh flag, known as the Nishan Sahib and the Palki (Palanquin) of Guru Granth Sahib. They are followed by teams of singers chanting hymns and devotees sing the chorus.

There are brass bands playing different tunes and ‘Gatka’ teams display their swordsmanship through various martial arts and as mock battles using traditional weapons. The joyful procession passes through streets decorated with flags and flowers, with the leader spreading the message of Guru Nanak. On April 15, 1469, Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born at Rai Bhoi Ki Talwandi, near Lahore, which is the modern-day Sekhpura district of Pakistan. A Gurudwara was built on his birthplace and the city is also known as Nankana Sahib and is located in the Punjab province of Pakistan. Guru Nanak Dev Ji is regarded as a spiritual teacher who founded Sikhism in the 15th century. He started writing the Guru Granth Sahib and wrote 974 hymns in it.

The main verses from the Guru Granth Sahib elaborate that the creator of the universe was one. His verses also propagate selfless service to humanity, prosperity, and social justice for all irrespective of any demographic differences. Sikhism also forbids the concept of messengers and reincarnation. The role of a guru as a spiritual and social master forms the base of the Sikh religion.

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