Guru Nanak Gurpurab

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The Birth of Guru Nanak, by the artist Sardul Singh

Nankana Sahib

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Palki

Guru Nanak Gurpurab, also known as Guru Nanak's Prakash Utsav and Guru Nanak Jayanti, is one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism, or Sikhi. The day commemorates the birth of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak, who is believed to have laid the foundation of Sikhism. This auspicious day is celebrated with great reverence and joy by Sikhs around the world. Guru Nanak was born in 1469 in Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi in the present-day Nankana Sahib, Punjab, Pakistan. The festival falls on the full moon day of the Kartik month of the Hindu lunar calendar, which is usually in November.

Celebrations

The celebrations of Guru Nanak Gurpurab begin two days prior to the actual day with the Akhand Path, a 48-hour non-stop reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs. On the day before Guru Nanak Jayanti, a procession, known as Nagarkirtan, is organised. This procession is led by the Panj Pyaras (Five Beloved Ones) and involves singing hymns, martial arts (Gatka), and the display of various Sikh symbols. On the day of Gurpurab, the festivities begin early in the morning with the singing of Asa-di-Var (morning hymns), followed by any combination of Katha (exposition of the scripture) and Kirtan (hymns from the Sikh scriptures), which extol the life, teachings, and legacy of Guru Nanak.

The celebrations also include Langar, a community lunch prepared by volunteers at the Gurdwaras. The concept of Langar embodies the Sikh principles of selfless service and communal harmony. Everyone, regardless of race, religion, or social status, is welcome to partake in the meal, emphasizing the Sikh ethos of equality and oneness of humanity.

Significance

Guru Nanak Gurpurab holds immense spiritual significance for Sikhs as it celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who preached the message of one God and the unity of mankind. He set forth the principles of Sikhism and laid down the guidelines for the spiritual and moral upliftment of society. Guru Nanak's teachings are enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib, which Sikhs regard as the final, sovereign, and eternal living Guru following the lineage of ten human Gurus from Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh.

Guru Nanak's message of equality, love, kindness, and the remembrance of God are particularly emphasized during the Gurpurab celebrations. His teachings continue to inspire and guide Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike towards a path of righteousness and compassion.

Observances Worldwide

Guru Nanak Gurpurab is celebrated with great fervor across the globe, especially in regions with a significant Sikh population, including India, Pakistan, Canada, United Kingdom, and United States. The day is marked by Sikh congregations in Gurdwaras, processions in cities and towns, and various community services. In places like Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, and other historical Gurdwaras associated with his life, the celebrations take on an added layer of reverence and significance.

Conclusion

Guru Nanak Gurpurab not only commemorates the birth of the first Sikh Guru but also serves as a day of reflection on his teachings and the values of Sikhism. It is a day of prayer, community service, and reaffirmation of the commitment to the Sikh way of life, promoting unity, equality, and compassion among all.