selectvenue Guru Nanak Jayanti, or because it is usually called, Nanak Gurpurab, may be a Sikh festival which is widely known with tons of fervour and excitement in many parts of India by Sikh and Punjabi communities alike. Most Sikh festivities are centred round the birth of their ten Gurus, who helped shape the faith and preach the importance of spiritual devotion. because the name suggests, Nanak Gurpurab celebrates the birth anniversary of Nanak Dev Ji, who is that the first Guru of the Sikhs and therefore the founding father of Sikhism.
How is Nanak Jayanti Celebrated?
Guru Nanak Gurpurab, celebrated with merriment and utmost devotion, may be a grand procession!
- An Akhand Path, a non-stop reading of the Sikh’s holy book Guru Adi Granth Ji, commences two days before the particular day.
- Processions are held in various parts of states like Punjab and Delhi and other people do tons of Sewa, extending their selfless service, in cleaning the road before the procession for the Palki or Palanquin, and distributing free food and drinks to everyone, no matter the caste or background.
- These processions are led by the Panj Pyaras, the Five Beloved Ones carrying the Sikh flag, Nishan Sahib. the primary Panj Pyaras played a serious role in defining the history of Sikhism as they were the first ones to urge baptised within the Sikh initiation ceremony of Amrit Sanchar.
- The procession also has devotees singing hymns within the praise of their lord and performing Gatka, a sort of self-defense .
- On the day of the Gurpurab, the Akhand Path is concluded by singing Asa di Var, the morning prayers. it’s followed by people visiting the Gurdwaras to supply their prayers, take blessings, hear melodious hymns and calm their minds.
- All the Gurdwaras are beautifully adorned with flowers and fabric , and in the dark , they’re lit with light bulbs, rendering it a breath-taking view.
Food Served During Gurpurab
Since it’s a big day , people flock to the Gurdwaras in astounding numbers with their friends and families. As a sort of Sewa, there are usually many stalls serving all types of delicious food outside the Gurdwaras, and inside, Langar, the food prepared by the people, is served to everyone, no matter their caste or community. The mouth-watering Karha Prasad is additionally served throughout the day. People also distribute sweets to others to point out and spread their happiness.
About Nanak Dev Ji
Born into a Kshatriya (warrior) family on 14th April 1469 A.D within the village Talwandi in Lahore, Pakistan, Nanak was the son of Mehta Kalu Chand and Mata Tripti Devi. He got married to Bibi Sulakhani and was blessed two sons, Srichand and Lakshmichand. Since an early age, he was religious and hung out reciting God’s name. He had a Noor, radiant glow on his face which made him stand call at the gang . He never threw any tantrums and was a really balanced and poised child. His devotion led him to travel away his family to go within the woods and meditate. He became an advocate of God’s teachings, impressing upon the very fact that we all are the youngsters of God and will recite his name during duress or eustress. His hymns were recorded in Japji Sahib, a Bible in Sikhism, which may be a a part of Guru Adi Granth also . it’s an outline of the stages of a man’s life before he departs this life.
His first devotee was Mardana, and as Baba Nanak travelled across the land to evangelise to the general public , his devotees kept increasing, no matter any religious affiliation. There are many saakhis, or short stories, which function important moral lessons as a part of Guru Nanak’s journey that are still famous today. They throw light on his divine journey and his profound understanding of things. During the last years of his life, he went back to his home to measure together with his family. Mardana, who was his faithful devotee, also followed him and lived with him. Nanak took his last breath at the age of 69 in 1538 A.D.
History of Gurupurab
One of the foremost cherished festivals of Sikhs, Nanak Gurpurab, marking the birth anniversary of Nanak , may be a gazetted holiday in India. there’s a contention between various scholars and non secular groups over the date of celebrating this festival. Some believe that it should be celebrated on the festival of Vaisakhi, on 14th of April which is additionally in accordance with the Nanakshahi calendar provided by Sri Akal Takht (Golden Temple, Amritsar). But consistent with Bhai Bala Ji, who is supposedly Guru Nanak’s childhood friend and a lover of his teachings, he was born on the complete Moon of the moon Kartik. this is often the rationale that Gurpurab is widely known within the month of November.
The peace of mind and soul that one gets visiting a temple and spending time there’s unparalleled. Gurdwaras are known to be a relaxing and soothing place, and through Gurpurab, the zeal multiplies. Next time you visit the state like Punjab or Delhi with a Sikh or Punjabi population who celebrate Gurpurab, do visit and participate within the procession, for the fun, food and frolic!
