selectvenue The majority of Sikh festivals are primarily dedicated to commemorating the birthdays of ten illustrious Sikh Gurus. These Sikh Gurus are the spiritual orators and philosophers who have contributed to the Sikh religion over a period of more than 250 years. And of those festivals celebrated th primary Sikh festival is, Gurpurab, observed every year with festivities throughout the nation.
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth anniversary is commemorated in the Sikh festival of Gurpurab. Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh guru. Gurpurab, also known as Guru Nanak Jayanti, is a holiday that the Sikh community celebrates with great fervour. It is one of the biggest Sikh holidays. Every year, as part of the Gurpurab festival, Sikhs participate in processions, go to Gurdwaras to worship, host langars, and have fun.
When it is Celebrated?
According to the Gregorian calendar, Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born during the months of October and November. The festival is observed on Kartik Purnima, the fifteenth lunar day of the Kartik month according to Hindu calendar. Three days are dedicated to celebrating the festival of Gurpurab.
Why is Guru Nanak Jayanti Celebrated?
Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated as a mark of respect to Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Guru Nanak was a well-known spiritual philosopher who was born in Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi, which is now in Pakistan’s Sheikhupura District. In the Pakistani region of Punjab, in the city of Nankana Sahib, where he was born, a Gurdwara was constructed.
Guru Nanak’s interest in divine studies, spirituality, religion, and deity began at a very young age. To preach the message of love, brotherhood, and lessons to enlighten the populace, he journeyed to various states both domestically and overseas.
Millions of Sikh devotees still adhere to his teachings today. He was renowned for his powerful relationship with God through prayer.
Guru Nanak, who established Sikhism in the fifteenth century, is revered as a spiritual leader. In addition to being conveyed in the Guru Granth Sahib, his teachings are chanted in Gurudwaras.
The central passages of the Guru Granth Sahib explained the concept of ik onkar, or the one God who is present in all creation and is the source of all truth. This sacred literature serves as the foundation for the whole Sikh religion. The premise of the work is the conviction that God alone is the universe’s creator. On this day, Guru Nanak’s devotees honour his accomplishments, legacy, and commitment to humanity through his teachings.
How is it celebrated?
Akhand Path is conducted in the Gurdwaras two days prior to the birthday, which kicks off the three-day celebrations. This involves reading the Guru Grath Sahib continually without a break for 48 hours and devotees take turns to read so that there is no interruption.
The day before the birthday, a procession is held in which the five cherished ones, or panj pyaras, who are thought to be the individuals who have shaped the religion, carry a palanquin containing the Guru Granth Sahib while waving Sikh flags. Nagar kirtan is the name for this. Devotees sing hymns as they follow the five individuals, while brass bands play a variety of music. The percussionists play the chorus while the “Gatka” or martial art teams demonstrate their swordsmanship prowess. This parade often travels through the town’s main streets, which are decked out in vibrant colours. The procession’s primary goal is to engage a greater community in Guru Nanka’s teachings.
The Asa-di-Var, or morning hymns, are performed at around 4:00 am to start the actual day of Gurpurab. Following this are hymns from the Sikh scriptures, lectures, and Katha, which includes readings from the sacred scripture and poetry recitals in honour of the Guru. All guests receive Karah Prasad, a dessert made with whole wheat flour. The afternoon is when “Langar” is made. It’s a lavish feast where guests of all faiths are welcomed and given freshly prepared meals and other gifts.
The word “Langar,” which refers to the Sikh communal kitchen, originally meant “an almshouse” or “a place for the destitute and needy people.” No matter their caste, class, religion, or gender, anyone in need is to be given food at a langar.
There is a backstory to it. It is stated that when Guru Nanak was 12 years old, his father gave him some money so he could make a “Sacha Sauda,” or a good deal. His father, a well-known dealer in the community, wished to impart to him the family trade. However, Guru Nanak returned home empty-handed after spending money on a group of saints who had gone without food for days. The Langar is held on Guru Nanak Jayanti to remember his profound ideas and his ardour for serving mankind.
Since it is claimed that Guru Nanak was born at 1:20 AM, the Guru Nanak Jayanti celebration lasts till well into the night. Devotees congregate at Gurudwaras to pray and sing hymns. The significant compositions of the Sikh Gurus mentioned in the Guru Granth Sahib, the Gurbani, are sung by devotees.
In Punjab and Haryana, the event is widely observed. Amritsar’s Golden Temple, which is the focal point of the festivities on Gurpurab, takes on a festive appearance. The festival of Gurpurab also serves to emphasise Guru Nanak’s central message, which emphasises the need to conquer the five vices of lust, greed, attachment, anger, and pride. The emphasis should be on giving selflessly to God. In reality, he advocated for naamsimran, or continually remembering God, as the sole route to freedom. Because they think this is the day Guru Nanak imparted enlightenment to the world, the Sikhs also refer to this day as Prakash Utsav, which means “birth of light.”
One of India’s most revered, important, and well-known holidays, Guru Nanak Jayanti commemorates the great teachings of Guru Nanak that are recorded in the holy book Guru Granth Sahib. The Sikh community celebrates this significant day with great delight and fervour all around the world.
