Guru Nanak Jayanti:
Gurdwaras of India | Sikh place of worship of India
Key Observances and Customs of Guru Nanak Jayanti:
Biography of Guru Angad
4. Gurbani Kirtan: Devotees participate in continuous singing of hymns and kirtan from the Guru Granth Sahib, praising the teachings and wisdom of Guru Nanak.
5. Prayers and Katha: Special prayers and katha (religious discourses) are conducted, highlighting the life, teachings, and philosophy of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
6. Decorations: Gurdwaras and Sikh homes are decorated with lights and flowers to mark the festive occasion.
7. Community Service: Sikhs use this occasion to emphasize selfless service and engage in various charitable activities, promoting the spirit of seva (selfless service) in the community.
Biography of Guru Nanak
8. Morning Processions: In the early morning, devotees gather at Gurdwaras and offer prayers. Processions are also held, often led by Panj Pyare (the Five Beloved Ones), carrying the Sikh flag and the Guru Granth Sahib.
Guru Nanak Jayanti holds immense spiritual significance for Sikhs, serving as a time for reflection, prayer, and community bonding. It promotes the core Sikh values of equality, humility, selflessness, and devotion to the divine teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
More about Guru Nanak Jayanti:
Guru Nanak Jayanti is a significant festival celebrated by the Sikh community worldwide. It marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. This year, it falls on Monday, 27 November 2023 . The festival is also known as Guru Nanak’s Prakash Utsav and Guru Nanak Gurpurab.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in 1469 in Rai Bhoi di Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan) near Lahore. He was the first of ten Sikh Gurus and the founder of Sikhism. His teachings revolved around three things: ‘Vand Chakko’, ‘Kirat Karo’, and ‘Naam Japna’. ‘Vand Chakko’ means sharing with others and helping the needy person. ‘Kirat Karo’ is making a living honestly without exploiting anyone and without any fraud, and ‘Naam Japna’ involves controlling our evils by meditating on the name of God .
The date of Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurpurab varies from year to year according to the lunar calendar. This year, it is celebrated on November 27 . The day is considered auspicious and divine and is celebrated with fervor and devotion.