Guru Nanak Jayanti

Celebrating the first Sikh guru’s birth, Guru Ji Gurpurab, also known as Guru Nanak’s Prakash Utsav, pays tribute to him. The Sikh community has the utmost respect for Guru Nanak Dev. He is the founder of Sikhism and one of the most well-known and important Sikh gurus. This is one of the most revered holidays in Sikhism. The 10 Sikh Gurus’ anniversaries serve as the centrepiece of celebrations in the Sikh faith. These Gurus influenced the Sikhs’ religious outlook. Gurpurab, the Sikhs’ birthdays, are occasions for prayer and celebration.

Background

According to the Vikram Samvat calendar, Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born in 1469 on Puranmashi of Kattak at Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi, in what is now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan. It is a gazetted holiday in India. According to the controversial Bhai Bala Janamsakhi, Guru Nanak is claimed to have been born on the Full Moon (Pooranmashi) in the Indian lunar month of Kartik. Because of this, the Sikhs have a custom of celebrating Guru Nanak’s Gurpurab in November. Some academics and organisations believe the Birthday should be celebrated on Vaisakhi, which falls on 14 April, in accordance with the original Nanakshahi Calendar that Sri Akal Takht embraced in 2003. The Full Moon Day (Pooranmashi or Purnima) of the lunar month Kartik is observed by many people and organisations as the traditional date. The ancient Nanakshahi Calendar continues the tradition and honours it on Kartik Purnima as a result of requests from numerous Sikh Saints.

Significance

If they worship with sincerity, anyone can have a spiritual connection to God, according to Guru Nanak Dev. His instructions are found in the Guru Granth Sahib.

The gathering

In general, Sikhs celebrate in the same manner; the hymns are the only variation. The festivities are typically started off by Prabhat Pheris. Early morning processions known as Prabhat Pheris leave from Gurudwaras and circle the neighbourhood. Two days prior to the birthday, the Gurdwaras usually host Akhand Path, a nonstop 48-hour reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikhs’ sacred text. The day before the birthday, a parade called Nagarkirtan is scheduled. This procession is under the direction of the Panj Pyaras (Five Beloved Ones). The Nishan Sahib and Palki of Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh flag, are carried by them as they lead the parade. Teams of singers perform hymns, and behind them, followers chant the chorus. Brass bands play a range of music, while “Gatka” teams stage mock fights and show off their swordsmanship through a variety of martial arts while using traditional weapons. The procession fills the town’s streets to capacity. The gates are embellished with flags and flowers, and the pathway is decorated with banners for this significant event. spreading Guru Nanak’s message via the authorities.

On the Gurpurab day, the festivities get under way between 4 and 5 a.m. Every morning, Asaa-Ki-Vaar is sung (morning hymns). Thereafter, in honour of the Guru, any combination of Katha and Kirtan is performed. The next event is the Langar, a unique community lunch that is organised at the Gurudwaras by volunteers. The principle underlying the free communal dinner is that everyone should be given food in the spirit of service and devotion, regardless of gender, caste, class, or religion.

Some Gurudwaras also offer night prayer services that begin at dusk with the recitation of Rehras and go till late at night with Kirtan. The group starts reciting Gurbani, which celebrates Guru Nanak’s actual birth time, at one twenty in the morning. About two in the morning, the party ends. The Sikh community worldwide celebrates Guru Nanak Gurpurab, one of the most important holidays in the Sikh calendar. Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, as well as many other locations, including some parts of Pakistan and England, are particularly colourful during the celebrations. Some Sindhis also observe this occasion. According to the Punjabi government, 11 universities will receive chairs honouring the great saint on this auspicious day.