Guru Nanak Gurpurab, also known as Guru Nanak Prakash Utsav, is celebrated to commemorate the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder and first guru of Sikhism. The birth anniversaries of the 10 Gurus of Sikhism, called Gurpurabs, hold special significance for the Sikh community.
It is one of the holiest and most important festivals of Sikhism. The day holds special religious significance for the Sikh community and is celebrated with great reverence and enthusiasm across the world.
History and Background
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born on Kartik Purnima day in 1469 at Rai Bhoi Di Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan). According to the Indian calendar, this day falls on the full moon day of the month of Kartik. It is celebrated as a gazetted holiday in India.
However, some scholars are of the opinion that Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born on the day of Vaisakhi. Still, traditionally this festival is celebrated on the day of Kartik Purnima. According to the Nanakshahi calendar, this date corresponds to the Gregorian calendar, but it varies every year due to the time difference between the solar and lunar calendars.
Importance
Guru Nanak Dev Ji preached the society to follow the path of equality, service and truth. He taught that the path to God is open to all human beings, provided their souls are pure. His teachings are compiled in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy text of Sikhism. Guru Nanak Ji established the basic principles of Sikhism and taught that every person can connect with God with a clean mind and sincerity.
Form of Celebration
The celebration of Gurpurab begins with Prabhat Pheris. These are early morning processions where devotees leave the gurdwaras and sing praises of God by singing kirtans in the surrounding areas.
Akhand Paath is organized in gurdwaras two days before Gurpurab. During this time, the Guru Granth Sahib is recited non-stop for 48 hours.
A Nagar Kirtan is taken out a day before the birthday. This procession is led by the five beloveds (Panj Pyare) who carry the Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag) and the palanquin of the Guru Granth Sahib. Kirtan troupes, bands, and Gatka (traditional Sikh martial arts) performances are part of this procession. The route of the procession is decorated with flags and flowers.
Special prayers and kirtans are held at night. Devotees especially recite Gurbani at the time of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth, which is believed to be 1:20 am. The celebrations conclude late at 2 am.
Conclusion
Guru Nanak Gurpurab is not only a religious festival of Sikhism but it also gives the message of service, devotion, and equality. This festival is celebrated with gaiety and devotion by the Sikh community all over the world. Apart from Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Pakistan, this festival is also celebrated with great pomp in England and other countries.
FAQs
Question 1: When is Guru Nanak Gurpurab celebrated?
Answer: This festival is celebrated every year on the day of Kartik Purnima.
Question 2: What happens in Nagar Kirtan?
Answer: Nagar Kirtan is a religious procession with the Panj Pyare, Kirtan Mandalis, Gatka performance, and decorations.
Question 3: What is the significance of Langar?
Answer: The purpose of Langar is to promote the spirit of equality and service in society. In this, all people eat together without any discrimination.
Question 4: Is Gurpurab celebrated only in India?
Answer: No, this festival is celebrated with great pomp by the Sikh community all over the world, especially in England, Canada, America, and Pakistan.
Question 5: What activities take place on this day?
Answer: Many religious programs like Prabhat Pheri, Akhand Paath, Nagar Kirtan, Langar, and Night Kirtan are organized.
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