Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is a significant festival for Sikhs worldwide, celebrating the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. Observed on the full moon day of the Kartik month (usually in October or November), it holds profound spiritual and cultural importance.
Why is it celebrated
Guru Nanak preached that any person could connect to God by worshipping with clear conscience.His teachings are included in Guru Granth Sahib. 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
Importance of Guru Nanak Jayanti
Spiritual Renewal: Guru Nanak’s message of divine love, equality, and unity continues to inspire millions, fostering a deeper connection to God and the community.
Promotion of Equality: Celebrating his birth reminds people of the enduring values of social equality, tolerance, and selflessness, offering a vision of a society without prejudice or discrimination.
Strengthening Sikh Identity: For Sikhs, the day strengthens cultural and religious identity, emphasizing Guru Nanak’s timeless values and the continuing relevance of his teachings.
Who is Guru Nanak Dev Ji : Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 in Talwandi, a village that is now known as Nankana Sahib, located near Lahore in present-day Pakistan. This place has since become a significant pilgrimage site for Sikhs and is known for its holy sites and gurdwaras dedicated to Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Nankana Sahib is home to Gurdwara Janam Asthan, a revered shrine marking Guru Nanak’s birthplace and an important destination for Sikh pilgrims from around the world, especially on Guru Nanak Jayanti.
How is it celebrated
Celebration of Guru Nanak Jayanti:
Akhand Path: The celebrations often begin with the Akhand Path, a continuous, uninterrupted recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib that spans 48 hours.
Processions (Nagar Kirtan): A day before Gurpurab, devotees participate in Nagar Kirtans, or processions led by the Panj Pyare (five beloved ones), with hymns, drum music, and performances along the way.
Langar: One of the most distinct aspects of the celebration is the community meal or Langar. Volunteers prepare and serve food to everyone as an act of devotion and humility.
Prabhat Pheris: Early morning processions or prayer gatherings, often called Prabhat Pheris, are held in local communities in the days leading up to Gurpurab.
What is the core Messages behind this celebration:
Equality: Guru Nanak preached equality across genders, castes, and religions, which was revolutionary in a deeply hierarchical society.
Oneness of God: He emphasized that there is only one universal God who is beyond any particular religion, form, or caste.
Service and Compassion: Seva (selfless service) is an essential aspect of Sikhism, and the Langar tradition—serving free meals to all, regardless of background—originated with him.
Truth and Simplicity: He encouraged followers to live truthful, honest lives, focusing on humility and inner spiritual practice.
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