Honouring Guru Nanak Dev Ji: The Light of Spiritual Wisdom

Hello, amazing readers! The Sikh community celebrates some incredible festivals, and one of the highlights is the celebration of the birthdays of important figures known as Sikh Gurus. These Gurus were spiritual leaders who played a vital role in guiding the Sikh religion for over 250 years. Their teachings and contributions continue to inspire millions of people today.

Also Check: Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Biography

The biggest and most significant festival in the Sikh community is the birthday of the very first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. This special occasion is known as Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurpurab. It holds great importance, and Sikhs across the country celebrate this day with immense joy and enthusiasm.

What’s even more delightful is that this celebration is not limited to Sikhs alone, many of their Hindu friends also join in the festivities to honour Shri Guru Nanak Ji’s birthday. People gather at special places called Gurudwaras to read from the Sikh holy book, the "Guru Granth Sahib." This gathering resembles a large birthday party where everyone comes together to celebrate and share happiness.

During this time, Sikh families decorate their homes, host vibrant parties, and make special visits to the renowned Golden Temple in Amritsar to offer prayers. Overall, Guru Nanak Jayanti is a wonderful and joyous time for everyone involved!

When is Guru Nanak Jayanti?

You might be wondering, "When is Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Birthday?" This significant festival is celebrated on Kartik Purnima, which falls on the 15th day of the Kartik month according to the Hindu calendar. For those who follow the Gregorian calendar, which includes familiar months like January and November, Guru Nanak Jayanti typically occurs in November. This year in 2024, Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Jayanti is celebrated on November 15th. It’s a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season with extra special celebrations and joyful gatherings!

Also Check for: Essay on Guru Nanak Dev Ji - Essay for Students in English

Why do we Celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti?

Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the central figure of the celebration, was an extraordinary spiritual thinker. He was born in Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi, which is now located in the Sheikhupura District of Pakistan. A significant site known as Nankana Sahib has been established there, where a Gurdwara honours his birthplace. It stands as a remarkable monument for people to pay their respects.

What’s even more exciting about Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s story is that he showed a deep interest in spirituality and the divine from a young age. He didn’t confine himself to one place, instead, he travelled across the country and even to foreign lands to share his message of love, brotherhood, and wisdom with everyone he met.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji maintained a profound connection with God through prayer, and his teachings continue to inspire millions of Sikh devotees today. He is often regarded as the superhero of Sikhism for laying its foundation in the 15th century. His teachings, which are the heart and soul of Sikhism, are compiled in the holy book called the Guru Granth Sahib.

The central message of the Guru Granth Sahib revolves around "Ik Onkar," which means there is only one God who resides in every creation and embodies eternal truth. This core principle serves as a reminder that the creator of the universe is one – God.

Now you understand why Guru Nanak Jayanti is such an important celebration. It’s a day to honour Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s incredible legacy, his remarkable achievements, and the valuable contributions he made to humanity through his teachings. Next, we will explore how the Gurpurab festival is celebrated, and trust me, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!

How is Guru Nanak Jayanti Celebrated?

Guru Nanak Jayanti is a very special celebration and one of the biggest festivals in the Sikh religion. People look forward to it all year long, and when the day finally arrives, it’s time to celebrate!

Two Days Before the Festival:

The celebrations start with an event called "Akhand Path." This is a 48-hour marathon of reading from the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhs. It’s a continuous reading that builds excitement in the days leading up to Guru Nanak Jayanti.

A Day Before the Festival:

As the big day approaches, a beautiful procession called "Nagar Kirtan" takes place. This procession is led by five special people known as the "Panj Pyaras" or "Five Beloved Ones." They carry the Sikh flag, called Nishan Sahib, and a Palkhi, which is a decorated palanquin.

During the procession, the Holy Guru Granth Sahib is placed in the Palkhi, and everyone follows along, singing hymns and saying prayers together. There is also a band playing traditional music, and some people perform martial arts moves. The streets are decorated with flags and flowers, and the colourful parade aims to spread the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and celebrate his contributions to society.

The Day of the Festival:

On Guru Nanak Jayanti, people wake up early and head to Gurudwaras (Sikh temples) to start the day. They sing "Asa-di-Var" and share good wishes for the celebration. Priests recite verses from the sacred Guru Granth Sahib, and then it’s time for "Langar."

Langar is a grand feast open to people of all religions, where everyone is welcome to enjoy delicious food. The concept of Langar is amazing because it provides meals to anyone in need, regardless of caste, class, religion, or gender. The tradition of Langar started when Guru Nanak Dev Ji was just 12 years old. Instead of using money given by his father for a good bargain, he used it to feed a group of hungry saints, showing his commitment to serving others.

The celebrations continue after sunset, with devotees gathering in Gurudwaras to perform prayers and sing hymns. Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born on April 15, 1469, at 1:20 AM, so the late-night festivities include singing Gurbani, an important hymn from the Sikh Gurus found in the Guru Granth Sahib.

As a special note, Guru Nanak Jayanti is a public holiday in Punjab, Haryana, and many other states in India. It’s a day filled with joy, faith, and fun for everyone!

Guru Nanak Dev Ji Shabad List

• Mool Mantra - The fundamental prayer that outlines the essence of God.

• Shabad Hazare - A collection of hymns focusing on devotion and the nature of God.

• Asa-di-Var - A hymn sung in the early morning, emphasising the importance of righteousness and truth.

• Jaap Sahib - A powerful prayer praising the qualities of God.

• Anand Sahib - A hymn that expresses joy and the bliss of connecting with God.

• Sidh Gosht - A dialogue between Guru Nanak and Siddhas (ascetics), discussing spiritual wisdom.

• Sukhmani Sahib - A hymn that brings peace and serenity to the mind and soul.

• Mardana's Shabad - Hymns sung by Guru Nanak along with his companion, Mardana, reflect their travels.

• Guru Nanak's Japji Sahib - A foundational text of Sikhism, focusing on meditation and spiritual wisdom.

• Chaupai - A hymn that emphasises the importance of remembering God in daily life.

Conclusion

Guru Nanak Jayanti is one of India's most important celebrations, honouring the valuable teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji from the Guru Granth Sahib. This day is very special to the Sikh community and brings joy and excitement that is felt around the world. As we celebrate this year, may the wisdom of Guru Nanak Dev Ji guide us toward a meaningful and righteous life. Wishing everyone a happy and peaceful Guru Nanak Jayanti!