The auspicious celebration of Guru Nanak Jayanti is one of the most prominent festivities among the Sikh community. This is a festival where all the Sikh people gather together to pay honour and gratitude to Baba Guru Nanak. Come, let us read about Guru Nanak Jayanti 2024 history and significance.
- Guru Nanak Jayanti Date: Friday, November 15, 2024
- Purnima Tithi Begins: 06:19 AM on Nov 15, 2024
- Purnima Tithi Ends: 02:58 AM on Nov 16, 2024
Who Was Guru Nanak Dev?
Guru Nanak Dev Ji is the nobleman who founded Sikhism. He was born on 15 April 1469 at Rai Bhoi Ki Talvandi. Many people believe that Guru Nanak is God’s incarnation, but he is considered to be God’s illumined Soul.
Since the birth of Guru Nanak, the celebration of Guru Nanak Utsav started when people started to acknowledge his teachings in the scriptures. Moreover, he was a man of humanity and mankind, which spread all over the world.
Teachings of Guru Nanak
As you explore the religion of Sikhism, you’ll come across various teachings of Baba Guru Nanak. Here are some of the important teachings of Guru Nanak that teach the path of sincerity and humanity.
- The first word he discovered was “Ik Onkar”, which means only one God exists. This is one of the most important mantras among the Sikh community.
- The next one is “Vand Chhako”, which indicates the importance of the famous proverb “Sharing is loving.” This proverb means that you share all that you have with people, and it is one of the principles of Sikhism.
- “Kirat Karo” is another principle of Sikhism that Guru Nanak Ji teaches. He says that one must always be honest and not follow the path of dishonesty for one’s own advantage.
- “Naam Japo” means chanting God’s name. Chanting God’s name can help you eliminate negative desires, anger, greed, attachment, and ego.
- Baba Guru Nanak says his devotees indulge themselves in “Sewa”, meaning selfless service.
History & Significance Of Guru Nanak Jayanti
The celebration of the most prominent festival among the Sikh people started after Guru Nanak portrayed himself as Guru. There is a belief among the devotees that God sent Baba Guru Nanak to spread love, humanity and equality among the people.
He embarked on a spiritual journey that enlightened him and started spreading his teachings to people. Moreover, he spent his life in Kartarpur, a village in central Punjab, where he taught people that God is the only one who teaches them to be humble and grateful for what they have.
How is Gurpurab Celebrated?
Guru Nanak Sahab’s festive occasion includes several rituals. Here are some of the most interesting religious rituals followed by Sikh devotees in the Gurudwara.
1. Prabhat Pheri
Prabhat Pheri is the first ritual that marks the beginning of the auspicious celebration of Guru Nanak Jayanti. On this day, all the devotees gather together to start the processions where people move in and around the nearby areas of Gurudwara to inform people to spread love and harmony.
This ritual starts early in the morning, when people of all ages can join the processions. Moreover, it informs people that this is the day to show their service and love towards God.
2. Akhand Path
Akhand Path is a significant ritual that allows the devotees to connect with God closely. The devotees gather together in the Gurudwara to start the ritual of Akhand Path. This is a ritual where devotees sit still in the Gurudwara to read the holy book of Sikh Guru Granth Sahib continuously.
Moreover, when you start reading the holy book, you must not take a break in between. You have to continuously read the holy book, which includes 1430 pages and takes 48 hours to complete.
3. Langar
Langar is one of the most important aspects of Sikhism. It represents the importance of quality and selfless service to people. The Gurudwara has a community kitchen to cook and serve in bulk.
People volunteer by cooking meals, serving people, and washing plates, which shows their humanitarian and selfless nature. Anyone can come and eat in the Langar.
4. Nagar Kirtan
On the day of Guru Nanak Jayanti, all the Sikh people gather to start a procession. This includes a beautifully decorated doli or a Palanquin, which contains the holy book of Guru Granth Sahib. Moreover, Sikh people walk around the streets and sing devotional Sikhism songs and prayers.
5. Gurbani Kirtan
Lastly, the Gurbani Kirtan is performed to conclude the celebration of Guru Nanak Jayanti. All the people gather in the Gurudwara while singing devotional songs and meditating together.
The Gurbani Kirtan is the true word of the Guru. People listen to it silently to enlighten their minds. It is performed by Hari Bhakti Parayan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is Guru Nanak birthday celebrated in November?
2. What is Guru Nanak most famous for?
3. How do Sikhs celebrate Guru Nanak's birthday?
4. What is the meaning of Gurpurab?
5. What do we eat on Gurupurab?
6. What are the teachings of Baba Guru Nanak?
Also Read: Mauni Amavasya 2025: A Way To Get Happy and Long Life
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