Guru Nanak Jayanti 2023: History and Significance of Gurupurab

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. Moreover, this celebration marks the birth of the 10th Guru among the Sikhs, who started the religion of Sikhism. Moreover, this festival is celebrated in the Kartik Purnima and is the best time to practise the teachings of Guru Nanak. So, as the celebration of the Gurpurab 2023 date approaches, remember to follow all the ritual guidelines and read about the history and its significance. 

• Guru Nanak Jayanti Date: Starts on 26th November and Ends on 27th November 
• Guru Nanak Jayanti Time: 3:53 PM on November 26 and ends at 02:45 PM on November 27. 

Who is Guru Nanak Dev? 

Guru Nanak Dev Ji is the nobleman behind the formation of Sikhism religion. He was born on 15 April 1469 at Rai Bhoi Ki Talvandi. Many people believe that Guru Nanak is the incarnation of God, but he is believed to be the illuminated Soul of God. Since the birth of Guru Nanak, the celebration of Guru Nanak Utsav started when people started to acknowledge his teaching in the scriptures; moreover, he was a man of humanity and mankind, which spread all over the world.

Furthermore, Guru Nanak got married at the age of 19 and had two sons. However, he gradually drifted from his family members because he had no faith or interest in worldly affairs. Also, he left his home at the age of 30 and started to visit holy places to learn about religious affairs. Later on, when he started his journey of starting a Sikh community, people started to acknowledge his teaching, and that’s how he gained popularity among the Sikh people around the world.  

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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. However, this is considered one of the most important mantras among the Sikh community. He taught his devotees not to be selfish and must share all they have with people who need it. He believes that if you are fortunate enough to make a difference in someone’s life, then you must not step back. 
• The next one is Vand Chhako, which indicates the importance of the famous proverb “Sharing is loving”. This means that you are sharing 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 says. He says that you must always be honest and not follow the path of dishonesty for your own advantage. 
• Naam Japo means chanting the name of God. 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 and Significance Of Guru Nanak Jayanti Festival

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 journey of spirituality 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.

Furthermore, there is a great importance of Guru Nanak Jayanti because it is believed to be the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Ji. This festival brings along various positivity and purity in an individual’s life. Moreover, according to astrology, it’s believed that this is the time of celestial alignment as it’s the birth of Guru Nanak Dev, born during Kartik Purnima when you can practise spirituality and wisdom. So, as Guru Nanak birthday 2023 approaches, remind yourself to practice the path of equality, selfless service and devotion.  

How is Gurpurab celebrated? 

On the festive occasion of Guru Nanak Sahab, there are several rituals followed to mark the success of the celebration. So, 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 is started early in the morning when people of all ages can join the processions. Moreover, it is a way to inform 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. 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. There is a community kitchen in the Gurudwara where meals are cooked and served in bulk. People volunteer themselves by cooking the meals, serving people and washing plates, which shows their humanitarian and selfless nature. During the Langar, food is served to all the people without making them feel criticised despite their caste, creed and religion. Anyone can come and eat in the Langar. 

4. Nagar Kirtan 

On the main day of Guru Nanak Jayanti, all the Sikh people gather to start a procession. A beautifully decorated doli, also known as a Palanquin, is covered with a sheet. A holy book of Guru Granth Sahib is kept under the Palanquin, which they carry around on their shoulder. Moreover, Sikh people walk around the streets by singing devotional Sikhism songs and prayers. 

5. Gurbani Kirtan 

The ritual of Gurbani Kirtan is performed in the last 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 believed to be the true words of the Guru, where people listen to them silently to enlighten their minds. Also, the Gurbani Kirtan is performed by Hari Bhakti Parayan, who is the true devotee of god, Sonopant, Dandekar, Dhunda Maharaj Deglurkar, Babamaharaj Satarkar and Dekhanebuwa. 

Also Read: Dussehra 2023: Important Rituals And Astrological Tips To Follow

Conclusion 

Coming to a conclusion, this was all about Guru Nanak Dev’s birth anniversary. We hope the upcoming celebration of Guru Nanak Jayanti makes you feel spiritually enlightened. Remember to spread love and equality and share wisdom and knowledge with people. 

Hey there! I am Sonali Prasad, the content writer over at InstaAstro. Not only does your support mean the world to me, but it also fuels my passion for writing. If you want to give your life a touch of transformation, talk to an astrology expert now by clicking here.

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